Costa Rica’s power grid has been running on 100% renewable energy for the past 76 days, and counting. It is able to rely primarily on its hydropower plants, with a boost from geothermal, solar and wind energy sources. Anxious to reduce its energy dependence on water and its growing vulnerability to droughts, it is working towards diversifying its portfolio of renewable energy sources. Blessed with an abundance of volcanoes, Costa Rica has made geothermal its priority alternative to hydropower, with a governement-approved investment of $958 million. For those countries inspired by Costa Rica’s energy choices, they may want to consider that this 5-million people nation has been doing away without much of an industry throughout its history, and without an army since 1948.
Costa Rica powers its grid through water and volcanoes (a little wind and sun too)
More of Today's Solutions
How this city in Illinois plans to stop homelessness by the end of the year
Less than a decade ago, more than 700 people were homeless in the small, 150,000 person city of Rockford, Illinois, about 90 miles northwest ...
Read MoreThis map shows what Indigenous land you live on
If you’ve attended a virtual lecture or presentation lately you may have noticed that the speakers initiated the event with an acknowledgment of which ...
Read MoreMore on beavers and rewilding
We decided to dust off and update this innovative solution to restoring habitats with the most industrious aquatic mammal: beavers. At The Optimist Daily, ...
Read More9 driving changes you can make to save more and burn less
Gas prices keep going up. While many of us can’t yet afford an electric vehicle, and we still need to get places, there are ...
Read More
