Geothermal: Costa Rica’s Renewable Energy

November 18th, 2008

Rincon de la Vieja Geothermal Project

The word geothermal, earths heat, comes from the Greek words geo (earth) and therme (heat).  In Costa Rica, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) uses the steam produced inside the earth to generate electricity. Geothermal energy is a renewable energy source because the water is replenished by rainfall and the heat is continuously produced inside the earth.

Las Pailas Geothermal at Rincon de la Vieja

Back in 1974, the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), charged, through one of his top engineers and of the pioneers of electricity generation from geothermal sources in Costa Rica, Alfredo Mainieri PhD, with the task of finding places in the country that would meet the requirements for generating energy with the Earth’s internal heat. Such endeavor led to the Miravalles Geothermal Field in Guayabo de Bagaces, Guanacaste, which consists of five plants that produce nearly 14 percent of the National Electrical System’s (SEN) capacity. Presently, Miravalles Volcano produces 164 MW.
At 65, Dr. Mainieri is still leading teams that conduct studies to find new sites for development of additional geothermal projects. Las Pailas and Boriquen are the 2 new developments already on their way to start producing by 2010. They are located on the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano in Guanacaste.

When in operation, these 2 projects would significantly increase the production of clean energy, which is one of Costa Rica’s main strengths. Costa Rica is self sufficient in clean renewable energy by to about a 90%. This goes hand by hand with the countries beliefs, no army, more school teachers than policemen, and a safe environment for its citizens. It is no coincidence that Costa Rica protects more than 25% of its territory.
Geothermal energy is one of the reasons to visit Rincon de la Vieja, in Costa Rica’s northern pacific tourist hot spot, Guanacaste and Hacienda Guachipelin is a good option to stay.
More information about tours and places to stay at www.rincondela vieja.net info@guachipelin.com or call on office hours +506-2256-5693

Geotermico Miravalles

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Entry Filed under: Guanacaste Tours, The Area