By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) has officially broken ground on the San Antonio Solar Plant, a significant new renewable energy project located in La Uruca, San José. With an investment of $11.5 million, the facility is poised to inject 10.3 megawatts of clean energy into the national grid, marking a pivotal step in the country’s ongoing transition towards sustainable power sources.
The project carries profound symbolic weight, as it is being constructed on the same 11-hectare plot of land that once housed the San Antonio thermal power plant. The former facility, which was decommissioned in 2019, represented an older era of energy generation. Its replacement with a state-of-the-art solar farm serves as a tangible demonstration of Costa Rica’s commitment to decarbonization and the modernization of its energy infrastructure.
To provide a deeper understanding of the legal and regulatory implications of this major renewable energy project, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his expert analysis.
The new ICE solar plant represents a significant stride towards Costa Rica’s decarbonization targets, but its true success will be determined by navigating the intricate regulatory landscape. Key legal milestones include securing environmental viability from SETENA and structuring tariff agreements that are both financially sustainable for ICE and equitable for consumers under ARESEP’s supervision. This project serves as a crucial precedent for future public infrastructure, testing the efficiency of our legal framework in facilitating essential green energy investments.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective offered by Lic. Arroyo Vargas is crucial, reminding us that beyond the engineering, the project’s ultimate success hinges on the agility and foresight of our regulatory framework. This case will undoubtedly set a vital precedent for the viability of future green infrastructure in the country. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable contribution to this discussion.
Preliminary construction activities are already underway, including the installation of temporary site structures, the disassembly of remaining infrastructure from the old plant, and significant earthmoving operations. The core of the project will involve the installation of 21,300 high-efficiency photovoltaic panels. Once completed, the plant will seamlessly integrate with the national power system by connecting to the adjacent La Caja Substation, located within the same complex.
The ambitious project is scheduled to enter commercial operation by August 2026. The design and construction contract was awarded to Ventus Colombia S.A.S., a firm with extensive experience in renewable energy projects across Latin America. Oversight for the project will be managed internally by ICE’s Directorate of Management of Non-Regulated Services, ensuring adherence to technical specifications and contractual obligations.
The San Antonio Solar Plant is not an isolated initiative but rather the inaugural project under Costa Rica’s updated National Electric Generation Expansion Plan for 2024-2040. This strategic roadmap outlines the nation’s long-term vision for energy diversification and sustainability. The plan aims to reduce dependence on hydroelectric power, which, while clean, is vulnerable to climate-related fluctuations such as drought.
This new facility will become ICE’s second wholly-owned solar plant, joining the pioneering Solar Miravalles plant in Guanacaste. Its development signals a broader push by the state-owned utility to expand its solar portfolio. ICE has already announced plans for future photovoltaic projects in strategic locations, including Abangares in Guanacaste and Las Delicias in Puntarenas, further cementing solar power’s role in the national energy mix.
The development represents a strategic investment in Costa Rica’s energy security and environmental leadership. By converting a brownfield site previously used for fossil fuel generation into a source of clean power, the project not only contributes to national emission reduction targets but also sets a powerful example for industrial land redevelopment. The infusion of $11.5 million into the economy will also generate employment during the construction phase and support the local clean-tech supply chain.
Ultimately, the San Antonio Solar Plant is more than just a power station; it is a cornerstone of Costa Rica’s future energy landscape. It embodies the nation’s forward-thinking policy, turning a relic of the past into a beacon of sustainable progress. As the panels are installed and the plant nears completion, it will stand as a testament to the country’s unwavering dedication to a greener, more resilient electrical system for generations to come.
For further information, visit ice.go.cr
About Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE):
The Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad is the state-owned provider of electricity and telecommunications services in Costa Rica. Founded in 1949, ICE has been instrumental in developing the nation’s infrastructure, famously helping Costa Rica achieve nearly universal electricity coverage. The institution is a leader in renewable energy, managing a diverse portfolio of hydroelectric, geothermal, wind, and solar power plants that form the backbone of one of the world’s cleanest energy grids.
For further information, visit ventus.global
About Ventus Colombia S.A.S.:
Ventus is a leading company in the renewable energy sector with a strong presence across Latin America. It specializes in providing comprehensive solutions for wind and solar energy projects, including engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance services. The company has been involved in the development of numerous large-scale renewable projects, contributing significantly to the growth of clean energy capacity throughout the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has established itself as a benchmark for legal services, operating on a cornerstone of uncompromising quality and ethical conduct. Drawing on a proven track record, the firm consistently advances the practice of law through progressive and innovative solutions. This commitment extends beyond the courtroom to a core belief in empowering the public, actively working to make legal principles understandable and accessible to foster a more just and knowledgeable community.
