Costa Rica has achieved an impressive milestone by generating more than 97% of its electricity from low-carbon sources between July 2025 and June 2026. The country's electricity primarily comes from hydropower, which accounts for nearly three-quarters of its electricity generation. Wind energy contributes a significant portion, amounting to about 13%, while geothermal energy generates just under 11%. In contrast, fossil fuels play a very minimal role, with just a little over 2% of the electricity coming from this source. This remarkable achievement in clean electricity generation sets a stellar foundation as Costa Rica looks towards the future, where electrification of sectors like transport, heating, and industry is crucial to reduce carbon emissions further and will require a significant increase in electricity supply.

Is Electricity Growing in Costa Rica?

Despite this progress in low-carbon electricity generation, Costa Rica has recently witnessed a slight decline in overall electricity consumption. The latest figures for 2026 indicate that electricity consumption stands at approximately 2,539 kWh per person, a slight drop from the previous record of 2,552 kWh per person in 2025. This reduction reflects a decrease of 14 kWh per person. When it comes to low-carbon electricity, the recent figures show a generation of 2,471 kWh per person, down by 48 kWh from the 2025 record. This stagnation signals a need for renewed efforts to bolster electricity generation in the country, particularly from green energy sources, to keep pace with growing demand and future sectoral electrification.

Suggestions

To increase low-carbon electricity generation moving forward, Costa Rica could prioritize the expansion of its wind energy infrastructure, building on its already substantial capacity. Given the robustness of its existing clean energy framework, enhancing wind power capacity could further bolster the country's ability to meet rising electricity demands sustainably. Additionally, while not yet a major part of Costa Rica's energy mix, exploring the integration and expansion of nuclear energy and solar could prove beneficial in diversifying and securing its energy future. These strategies would support the country's transition towards complete electrification of various sectors, ensuring a clean, reliable, and ample electricity supply for continued sustainable development.

History

Historically, Costa Rica’s dedication to low-carbon electricity generation has been evident through various milestones. During the early 1980s, hydro energy began its rise with a steady increase of around 0.5 TWh annually. The 1990s saw geothermal energy make its mark in 1992, with a boost of 0.5 TWh. Throughout the late 1990s and into the 2000s, hydroelectricity experienced fluctuations, with significant growth in some years, including an impressive rise by 1 TWh in 1997 and 1.3 TWh in 2015. Wind energy also contributed to the energy mix, particularly from 2018 onwards, which saw an increase of 0.5 TWh. While there were occasional declines in hydro generation, the incremental advancements reflect a sustained commitment to harnessing clean energy. Looking forward, Costa Rica stands poised to continue this trajectory, focusing on enhancing wind energy capacities and exploring new avenues like nuclear and solar to fortify its low-carbon electricity generation.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

* 12M = Last 12 months (Jul 2025 – Jun 2026) — a rolling 12-month period, not a calendar year.