Costa Rica produces almost all of its power from renewable energy. The state electricity   agency   has  stated  that in 2015 the country produced 99% of its energy from renewable  sources.

In the first two months of last year, the whole country  operated on  nothing but renewable energy. In the following months, 97% came from non- fossil fuels . There were 285 days without energy from  fossil fuels.

According to  the  government, 80% of Costa Rica's electricity is produced  in  hydro-power  and  geothermal plants . The Central American country  profits from  heavy  rainfall and many rivers, which are the basis for producing electricity.  Although  last year was very dry, Costa Rica was still able to produce enough hydroelectric power. Geothermal energy comes from  hot spots  and active volcanoes  which are spread across the country.

In the future,  however, Costa Rica wants to become less  dependent  on water power and produce more energy from  solar  and wind power. The tropical country also has a  huge   biomass  potential which can be turned into energy.

The 4.5 million  inhabitants  of Costa Rica have profited from lower energy prices, because the country does not have to import that much oil   and other fossil fuels. But the  transportation  sector still  depends  heavily on fossil fuels. Costa Rica wants to make transportation free of fossil fuels by  electrifying  railroads and  introducing  electric taxis and buses.

Through its energy  policy  Costa Rica has sent a signal to the whole world that  switching  completely to green energy  is  achievable  if you try.  The government has set an  ambitious   goal. It wants to become completely independent  from fossil fuels by 2021.