The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), also known as the Costa Rican Electricity Institute, is a state-owned company that is responsible for the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity in Costa Rica. ICE is also responsible for developing renewable energy projects in the country. The company has been at the forefront of renewable energy development in Central America and has made significant strides in reducing the country's carbon footprint.

Efficiency: Supply Side

ICE has implemented several energy efficiency projects in the country, particularly in the supply side. The company has invested in modernizing its power plants and transmission and distribution systems to reduce energy losses and improve the reliability of the electricity supply. ICE has also implemented energy management systems in its facilities to optimize energy consumption and reduce costs. These efforts have resulted in a more efficient and reliable electricity supply for the country.

Geothermal

Costa Rica is known for its geothermal potential, and ICE has been harnessing this resource for electricity generation since the 1970s. The company currently operates three geothermal power plants with a combined capacity of 207 MW, which accounts for around 15% of the country's electricity generation. ICE is also exploring new geothermal sites and plans to develop additional capacity in the future.

Climate Policy

ICE is committed to reducing Costa Rica's carbon footprint and has implemented several initiatives to support the country's climate policy. The company has set a target of generating 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2021, which would make Costa Rica one of the first countries in the world to achieve this goal. ICE has also implemented a carbon offset program, which allows customers to offset their carbon emissions by investing in renewable energy projects.

Small Hydro

In addition to geothermal, ICE has been developing small hydro projects in the country. Small hydro refers to hydroelectric power plants with a capacity of less than 10 MW. These projects are typically located in rural areas and provide electricity to communities that are not connected to the national grid. ICE currently operates several small hydro plants with a combined capacity of 61 MW.

Solar

ICE has been investing in solar energy in recent years, particularly in distributed generation projects. The company has installed solar panels on public buildings, such as schools and hospitals, and has also implemented a net metering program that allows customers to generate their own electricity from solar panels and sell any excess back to the grid. ICE is also exploring utility-scale solar projects and plans to develop several new projects in the coming years.

Wind

Finally, ICE has been developing wind energy projects in the country. The company currently operates several wind farms with a combined capacity of 147 MW, which accounts for around 11% of the country's electricity generation. ICE is also exploring new wind sites and plans to develop additional capacity in the future.

Overall, ICE has been a leader in renewable energy development in Central America and has made significant strides in reducing Costa Rica's carbon footprint. The company's commitment to energy efficiency, geothermal, small hydro, solar, and wind energy has helped to diversify the country's energy mix and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. As Costa Rica continues to pursue its climate policy goals, ICE will play a critical role in achieving a sustainable and renewable energy future for the country.