One small step for renewable energy, and one giant leap for Costa Rica.
Costa Rica has not burned one fossil fuel in over 75 days. The country is currently running completely on renewable energy, primarily due to heavy rains and geothermal energy.
The country is now producing enough electricity though hydropower systems, such as pump storage and run-of-the-river plants, to power the majority of Costa Rica. Pair that with additional geothermal, solar, and wind energy sources and 100 percent renewable energy efficiency is achieved.
This from Science Alert:
Costa Rica’s record on renewable generation also stands out. As recently as last year, hydropower accounted for 80 percent of all electricity production, while geothermal energy was reported back in 2010 to account for upwards of 13 percent of the country’s electricity profile.
Costa Rica’s small size, low population, and lack of manufacturing industry also aids in the ability to achieve pure renewable energy.
But they’re not alone in this goal of 100 percent sustainability. The island of Bonaire off the coast of Venezuela expects to hit that 100 percent renewable mark very soon. Iceland also joins the ranks of these countries by procuring 85 percent of its energy though geothermal and hydropower sources. Additionally, Denmark plans to ditch fossil fuels by 2050.
[Sources: Quartz & Science Alert]Check out how you can integrate clean energy solutions in your own community!
And listen to NREL’s John A. Turner talk about how other countries can achieve a sustainable energy infrastructure on the ECS Podcast!
