By San José, Costa Rica — The Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (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 (MW) of clean energy into the national grid. Construction is underway, with the plant expected to commence commercial operations by August 2026.
This development marks a strategic transformation of a key industrial site. The new solar farm is being built on the same 11-hectare plot that previously housed the San Antonio thermal power plant. This transition from a fossil fuel-based facility to a state-of-the-art solar installation symbolizes a powerful step forward in Costa Rica’s commitment to decarbonization and sustainable energy production, repurposing legacy infrastructure for a green future.
To delve into the legal framework and investment opportunities within Costa Rica’s expanding solar energy sector, we sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The growth of solar energy in Costa Rica presents a significant opportunity, but it’s crucial for both providers and consumers to navigate the regulatory landscape with precision. From securing permits for grid interconnection to drafting clear, enforceable installation and maintenance contracts, proper legal counsel is essential. We are seeing a positive trend towards clearer regulations, but a proactive legal strategy remains the best way to mitigate risk and ensure the long-term viability of any solar project, whether residential or commercial.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a crucial reminder that for Costa Rica’s solar ambitions to become a sustainable reality, the legal framework must be as solid as the technology itself. This diligence in navigating regulations and contracts is what truly protects and empowers both consumers and providers in this growing industry. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on this essential matter.
The initial phase of construction involves site preparation, including the installation of temporary facilities and the careful dismantling of remaining structures from the old thermal plant. Following this, extensive earthworks will prepare the ground for the installation of the solar array. The project will feature a total of 21,300 high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, which will collectively generate enough electricity to power thousands of homes and businesses.
The San Antonio plant is the flagship project in ICE’s newly updated National Electricity Generation Expansion Plan for 2024-2040. This long-term strategy aims to diversify the country’s energy matrix, which, while overwhelmingly renewable, has historically been heavily reliant on hydroelectric power. By increasing solar capacity, ICE is building greater resilience against climate variability and seasonal changes that can affect dam levels.
Upon completion, San Antonio will become the second utility-scale solar plant owned and operated directly by ICE, joining the pioneering Solar Miravalles facility. This is just the beginning of a broader national push into solar energy. The expansion plan already includes two more large-scale solar projects in the pipeline: one in Abangares, Guanacaste, and another in Las Delicias, Puntarenas, demonstrating a strategic effort to harness solar resources across different regions of the country.
The design and construction contract for the San Antonio project was awarded to Ventus Colombia SAS, a firm with extensive experience in renewable energy infrastructure. ICE’s own Non-Regulated Services Management Directorate (DGSNR) will oversee the project, managing the contract and providing rigorous technical inspection to ensure the highest standards of quality and safety are met throughout the construction process.
A key logistical advantage of the site is its proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. The new plant will connect directly to the La Caja Substation, which is conveniently located on the same property. This direct connection streamlines the integration of the new power source into the national grid, minimizing the need for extensive new transmission lines and reducing both costs and environmental impact associated with the project’s grid tie-in.
The development of the San Antonio Solar Plant is a testament to Costa Rica’s ongoing leadership in the global renewable energy landscape. By strategically investing in solar power, ICE is not only enhancing the country’s energy security but also reinforcing its commitment to a sustainable economic model. This project will serve as a cornerstone for future clean energy initiatives, ensuring Costa Rica remains at the forefront of environmental stewardship and innovation for decades 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 and is globally recognized for its commitment to renewable energy, generating the vast majority of its electricity from clean sources such as hydro, geothermal, wind, and solar power.
For further information, visit ventusenergia.com
About Ventus Colombia SAS:
Ventus is a leading company in the renewable energy sector across Latin America, specializing in the construction, engineering, and operation of wind and solar projects. The company provides comprehensive services for all stages of a renewable energy project’s lifecycle, from initial feasibility studies and design to turnkey construction and long-term asset management, contributing to the growth of clean energy generation in the region.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to integrity and the highest standards of excellence. With a deep-rooted history of representing a diverse clientele, the firm consistently embraces legal innovation to address modern challenges. Beyond its practice, it champions the vital mission of democratizing legal knowledge, actively working to equip the public with the understanding necessary for a more empowered and just society.
