Costa Rica has gone 113 days using only renewable energy

Country aims to abandon fossil-fuels in favor of renewable energy

Costa Rica has established itself as a pioneer in renewable energy. The small country has accomplished a major feat: Generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources for 113 days straight. Costa Rico draws this energy from numerous sources and intends to continue in its efforts to abandon fossil-fuels throughout the rest of the year. The country has invested heavily in clean energy in order to become more environmentally friendly and curtail the potential impact of climate change.

Costa Rica continues plans to embrace clean power

The country is building upon a strong renewable energy foundation. According to the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, 99% of the country’s electricity was produced through the use of renewable power systems last year. For 285 days in 2015, the country was completely powered by renewable energy. The country has been able to take advantage of clean power due to its favorable climate and terrain. Hydropower, in particular, is one of the country’s primary ways to generating electricity. The country’s large river systems and the heavy rainfall it regularly experiences have made hydropower a very significant resource.

Geothermal power will play a bigger role in Costa Rica

Beyond hydropower, Costa Rica has also invested in solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal power. These forms of renewable energy have also played a major role in the country’s sustainability. Within the next five years, Costa Rica plans to completely abandon fossil-fuels. Geothermal energy will play a major role in this endeavor, with the government investing more heavily in this form of clean power. With heavier than expected rainfall predicted for the near future, hydropower may also help the country accomplish this goal ahead of schedule.

Renewable energy provides small countries with new economic opportunities

Small countries tend to have an easier time replacing fossil-fuels with renewable energy due to their relatively small need for electrical power when compared to much larger countries. The adoption of clean power does have economic benefits, however, as it creates an attractive market for energy developers specializing in clean power.