Costa Rica roadmap highlights need for backup thermal capacity

Costa Rica will have to maintain and increase procurement of thermal power through at least 2028, according to state power company ICE.

The outlook is part of the operator’s just-released executive summary of the 2024-40 power generation expansion plan.

The thermal capacity will mitigate the impact of weather phenomenon El Niño and help cover growing demand, until the incorporation in 2029 of 200MW from the revamp of the Moín diesel-fired plant.

A second block of thermal capacity would be required in 2033-35 to back up the partial stoppage of hydroelectric plants Arenal and Dengo for modernization work.

Read ICE begins process to contract backup power blocks for upcoming summers

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Source: ICE plan

The roadmap also confirms the development of battery energy storage systems, the 53MW Fourth Cliff hydro project and the 55MW Borinquen geothermal project, along with the startup of wind and solar plants.

Read Costa Rica launches geothermal tender, extends solar project call

The executive summary is available in the Documents box in the top right corner, while the roadmap itself will be released later this year. 

Source: ICE plan