Costa Rica has achieved a remarkable milestone in its journey towards sustainable development, with more than 98% of its electricity generation sourced from low-carbon methods between October 2024 and September 2025. Hydropower accounts for more than three-quarters of this clean energy, with wind and geothermal contributing around 11% each. The reliance on fossil fuels is close to none, at just 1.21%. Costa Rica's impressive transition to low-carbon electricity is a significant achievement in mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution. However, as the country looks to electrify other sectors like transport, heating, and industry, the demand for clean electricity is poised to increase substantially.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources โ
Is Electricity Growing in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica is on an upward trajectory with its electricity consumption, reaching 2560 kWh per person in 2025, surpassing the previous record of 2516 kWh per person in 2021. This marks an increase of 44 kWh per person, demonstrating a positive trend in electricity use which can be attributed to growing demand and better accessibility. In the same period, low-carbon electricity generation increased to 2529 kWh per person, a modest rise of 13 kWh per person from the 2021 record. These increases highlight a gratifying trend in clean electricity growth, which is crucial if Costa Rica aims to meet future demands sustainably.
Suggestions
As Costa Rica plans for future electricity expansion, enhancing existing wind energy capacity could play a pivotal role. Wind energy, already contributing a significant fraction to the nation's clean electricity mix, offers a promising path forward given its zero-emission nature. However, for long-term energy security and diversity, considering nuclear power could be beneficial. Coupled with continued growth in wind energy, these low-carbon solutions can help provide the reliable and scalable expansion required to meet the nation's growing electricity needs while supporting economic and environmental objectives.
History
In the early years of Costa Rica's clean electricity journey, the expansion of hydropower was notable, with steady increases in the 1980s and significant growth in the late 1990s. From 1992, geothermal energy began to make its mark, contributing to the low-carbon mix, and wind energy saw a noticeable increase in 2018. The 2000s and 2010s witnessed consistent growth in hydropower, with notable spurts in 2015 and 2021. Although some fluctuations occurred, such as slight declines in hydro in years like 1995 and 2019, the overall trend has been upward. Most recently, a surge in hydroelectric generation in 2025 further solidified the country's commitment to clean energy. By sustaining and building on these trends, particularly through diversified sources like solar and possibly nuclear, Costa Rica can enhance its energy resilience and environmental stewardship.
