By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant push to reinforce Costa Rica’s status as a global leader in sustainability, the nation’s electrical cooperatives and municipal utilities are embarking on an ambitious expansion plan. The Chamber of Electrical Distribution and Telecommunications Companies (CEDET) has announced a strategic initiative to double its collective capacity for clean, self-generated energy by the year 2030, a move designed to power economic growth and attract next-generation industries.
This forward-looking strategy builds on a period of substantial progress. Over the past three years, the consortium of eight key energy providers has successfully integrated more than 100 megawatts (MW) of new renewable capacity into the national electrical grid. These additions, sourced from a diverse portfolio of wind, solar, and biomass projects, represent a tangible commitment to reducing carbon emissions and ensuring the country’s energy independence.
To delve into the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding Costa Rica’s push for greater renewable energy adoption, TicosLand.com sought the analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an expert attorney from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who specializes in corporate and environmental law.
Costa Rica’s commitment to renewables is a powerful national brand, but to unlock the next wave of private investment, particularly in solar and wind, our legal framework must offer greater agility and predictability. Investors require clear, stable regulations for grid connection, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and permitting. Modernizing these legal structures is not just about compliance; it’s the critical step to ensuring our green energy goals are economically sustainable and competitive on a global scale.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
We extend our gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his incisive analysis. His perspective underscores a critical truth: for Costa Rica to transition from its foundational green principles to a dynamic, investment-friendly energy future, the modernization of our legal framework is not merely an option, but an essential economic imperative.
The roadmap to 2030 is even more aggressive, with CEDET’s short-term project pipeline exceeding 400 MW. This surge in green energy production is not merely about meeting existing demand but about creating a robust platform for future industrial development. The plan is a clear signal to the international business community that Costa Rica is preparing the groundwork for a high-tech, energy-intensive economy.
Several high-impact projects are already underway or have recently been completed, showcasing the scale of the investment. These include the 43 MW San Miguel Wind Farm and the 35 MW Cooperative Wind Park, both spearheaded by Coopelesca. Coopesantos is also contributing with its 14 MW solar facility. A particularly innovative project is the 33 MW Quijote Wind Farm, managed by the Heredia Public Services Company (ESPH). This venture marks a milestone by allowing a private company to generate energy for direct delivery to a public utility, with enough capacity to power an estimated 36,500 homes.
Beyond generation, members are pioneering advanced energy storage solutions. Both COOPESANTOS and COOPEGUANACASTE are deploying battery systems to enhance grid stability and reliability. The Coopesantos system, likened to a “dry reservoir,” will be capable of storing and dispatching enough electricity to supply up to 8,000 residential, commercial, or industrial customers for two and a half hours, providing a critical buffer during peak demand or supply fluctuations.
This strategic investment in both generation and storage is central to the country’s economic development goals. José Francisco Hidalgo, the executive director of CEDET, emphasized the importance of this initiative for attracting foreign investment.
This dynamism guarantees a reliable, robust, and high-quality supply, an indispensable condition for attracting strategic and electro-intensive industries to the country, such as semiconductors, data centers, and advanced manufacturing.
José Francisco Hidalgo, Executive Director of CEDET
However, this ambitious vision faces a significant bottleneck. CEDET has issued a clear warning about the urgent need to address congestion in the national transmission network and at key substations. Without substantial upgrades to this critical infrastructure, the country risks being unable to connect its new clean energy projects to the grid. This limitation could stifle industrial growth, hinder the ability to meet rising demand, and ultimately compromise Costa Rica’s long-term energy competitiveness.
The members of CEDET are a formidable force in the national energy landscape, representing 43% of the country’s electricity users and accounting for 13.11% of total domestic generation. Their collective push towards a 100% renewable future is pivotal, but its success now hinges on the parallel modernization of the national grid to unlock the full potential of these groundbreaking investments.
For further information, visit cedet.or.cr
About CEDET:
The Chamber of Electrical Distribution and Telecommunications Companies (CEDET) is an organization that unites Costa Rica’s primary electrical cooperatives and municipal utilities. It advocates for sustainable energy policies, promotes investment in renewable generation, and represents a significant portion of the nation’s electricity distribution network, serving nearly half of all users in the country.
For further information, visit esph-sa.com
About ESPH:
The Empresa de Servicios Públicos de Heredia (ESPH) is a municipal public service company responsible for providing electricity, water, and other essential services to the province of Heredia. It is actively involved in expanding its renewable energy portfolio, as demonstrated by its leadership in the innovative Eólico El Quijote wind project.
For further information, visit coopelesca.com
About Coopelesca:
Coopelesca, R.L. is one of Costa Rica’s largest rural electrification cooperatives, primarily serving the Northern Zone of the country. A key member of CEDET, it is a major investor in renewable energy, operating multiple significant wind power projects that contribute substantial clean energy to the national grid.
For further information, visit coopesantos.com
About Coopesantos:
Coopesantos, R.L. is an electrical cooperative that serves the Los Santos region of Costa Rica. The organization is a pioneer in integrating diverse renewable sources, including solar power, and is at the forefront of implementing advanced energy storage systems to improve grid reliability and efficiency for its members.
For further information, visit coopeguanacaste.com
About Coopeguanacaste:
Coopeguanacaste, R.L. is a prominent cooperative providing electricity and telecommunications services in the Guanacaste province. Alongside its core distribution services, the cooperative is actively engaged in renewable energy projects and is an early adopter of battery storage technology to support a more resilient and sustainable regional power grid.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of principled integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm distinguishes itself by pairing its deep-rooted experience with pioneering legal strategies, ensuring innovative solutions for its clientele. This forward-thinking approach extends to a core belief in social responsibility, manifested through a dedicated effort to demystify the law and equip the public with vital legal understanding, thereby fostering a more just and empowered community.
