Costa Rica to Build Largest Solar Farm to Date

• Costa Rica's ICE unveils plans for a groundbreaking 66 MW solar farm in Guanacaste, boosting renewable energy and set to light up the future by 2027!

Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), Costa Rica's power utility, has announced plans to build a 66 MW solar farm in Guanacaste, marking it as the largest solar facility in the country. The project, called the Colorado solar farm, will require an investment of approximately $80 million and will undergo a feasibility study to assess its technical, legal, and environmental viability.

The Colorado solar farm is set to begin operations in 2027, with an anticipated annual generation capacity of around 139.49 GWh, utilizing a plant factor of 23.9%. This initiative is part of ICE's broader strategy to augment renewable energy resources and satisfy current and future electricity demand in Costa Rica, complementing existing solar projects.

What are the key features and goals of Costa Rica's largest solar farm project?

Key Features and Goals of Costa Rica's Colorado Solar Farm Project

• Project Scale: The Colorado solar farm will have a generation capacity of 66 MW, making it the largest solar facility in Costa Rica upon completion.
• Investment Commitment: The project represents a significant financial commitment, with an estimated investment of around $80 million aimed at enhancing the country's renewable energy infrastructure.
• Annual Energy Generation: The solar farm is projected to produce approximately 139.49 GWh of electricity annually, contributing significantly to the national grid.
• Utilization of Technology: The facility will employ advanced solar technology designed to achieve a plant factor of 23.9%, optimizing the efficiency of energy capture and generation.
• Environmental Feasibility Study: Before construction, a comprehensive feasibility study will evaluate the technical, legal, and environmental aspects of the project, ensuring it aligns with Costa Rica’s sustainability goals.
• Sustainable Development Goals: The project supports Costa Rica's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 and aims to significantly decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
• Energy Diversification Strategy: The Colorado solar farm is a key component of Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad's (ICE) strategy to diversify energy sources, thereby enhancing energy security and stability.
• Promotion of Local Economy: The construction and operation of the solar farm are expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the Guanacaste region, particularly during the construction phase.
• Public Support for Renewable Energy: Costa Rica has a strong public mandate for environmental sustainability, and the Colorado solar farm project aligns with this socio-political momentum toward renewable energy adoption.
• Integration with Existing Projects: This solar initiative will complement other existing renewable energy projects in Costa Rica, helping to balance and optimize electricity generation across various sources.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: ICE intends to engage with local communities to inform and involve them in the project, fostering transparency and public support for renewable initiatives.
• Long-term Impact Goals: The long-term objectives include enhancing the reliability of the power supply, mitigating the effects of climate change, and positioning Costa Rica as a leader in renewable energy within the region.

These features and goals underline Costa Rica's commitment to renewable energy expansion and sustainable development, positioning the Colorado solar farm as a cornerstone of the nation’s energy future.