Costa Rica: Energy Generation with non-conventional Renewables, Actors, Roles and Innovations in Public Policies

Abstract

Electricity can be considered an essential resource for humanity and a key element for the economic and productive development of every country. Costa Rica has one of the highest percentages of electricity coverage, reaching more than 99% of the population according to data from the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE per its acronym in Spanish). However, beyond the relevance of having access to electricity, it is necessary to recognize that electricity generation has a series of associated environmental and social impacts; therefore, the generation of electricity from non-conventional renewable sources must be taken into consideration. Nowadays, in accordance with the National Decarbonization Plan, Costa Rica set out to lay the foundations for the 21st century economy by establishing a positive, innovative and inspiring vision. This economy must respond to changes in the global context, be as green as possible and promote sustainable use and management of natural resources. Not only has Costa Rica seen the need to establish a positive and green vision, at an international level there is a clear interest in seeking generation alternatives that have a lower social and environmental impacts. Also, these alternatives can satisfy the growing energy demands of both the population and the government. Consequently, a brief study of the proposals and public policies for electricity generation, as well as its main actors and their roles in the matter, would allow us to understand whether a transformation is necessary.