Geothermal Energy Plants Provide Clean Energy in Guanacaste, Costa Rica.

According to today’s reports, the Contraloría General de la República (CGR), Costa Rica’s regulating agency, rejected the Costa Rican Electricity Institute’s (ICE’s) request to buy two thermal power plants from Grupo Pujol-Martí Power Supply. The request was rejected because the purchase price was set at a level higher than the estimated value of the power plants. Although the CGR’s actions are in line with the Arias government policies of economic efficiency and transparency, it opens questions about Costa Rica’s short-term ability to generate enough power to meet growing demand.

Costa Rica’s Energy Supply

Costa Rica is a country rich with renewable energy thanks to its natural resources. These sources include hydroelectric, wind, and geothermal power. Even though Costa Rica meets most of its energy requirements through clean hydroelectric sources (over 82% according to a 2000 government source), thermal plants are still considered a necessary evil. As water levels decline in the dams during the dry Summer months, there is a need for thermal generators to take up the slack. Also, as the country’s population and industry grows there are rising energy demands and geothermal power offers a quick, although short-sighted, solution as they are easy to install and run.

Thermal plants burn fossil fuels such as diesel or bunker so they are not as environmentally friendly as other sources. The rising cost of fossil fuels and the generation of polluting greenhouse gases are other concerns which make thermal generators a less than ideal solution.

Costa Rica is looking ahead and working to resolve its future energy needs. For example, the country recently signed a contract with a Spanish company to build a new hydroelectric plant in Turrialba. This power plant is estimated to be online in 3-4 years and will generate 50 megawatts (MW) of energy. Geothermal and wind power plants are also being developed. A large wind farm with 22 turbines has been working in Tilarán, Guanacaste since 2002 and more are scheduled to be installed in the mountains of Escazú and Santa Ana. A new geothermal plant, using naturally-existing superheated water to power steam turbines, is also scheduled to be producing electricity in 2010 near Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, in the province of Guanacaste.

Power Generation – An Economic Opportunity

Nicaragua has an energy deficit of about 20% which causes frequent black outs. Exporting clean electricity to neighboring countries is a good option to boost Costa Rica’s economy and stay at the forefront of Latin American eco-friendly practices.

Energy Conservation Efforts

Previous government efforts to save energy have not been very successful. One such program restricted cars from using certain streets in San José based on the last digit of their license plate number. This policy was meant to alleviate congestion and reduce the amount of wasted fuel cars burn while stuck in traffic jams.

ICE is about to launch a new program that aims to educate consumers, reduce unnecessary energy consumption and save clients some money. Their upcoming campaign will be in the form of an offer which consists of ‘Buy 2 get 1 Free’ when you purchase energy efficient light bulbs. This program was originally scheduled to start on the 11th of March but it has been postponed due to inventory shortages. Keep your ear to the ground as this offer should start any day now.

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Filed under: Costa Rica News on March 24th, 2008