Japanese agency to finance geothermal feasibility studies in Costa Rica

Dec 12, 2011 - The Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) last week signed a memorandum of understanding with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) to fund the feasibility studies for two geothermal projects in Costa Rica.

The move comes to support the Central American nation's efforts to bolster the use of geothermal energy. In 2008, the country sourced 66% of its electricity from hydropower installations, 23% from coal-fired power plants, 7% from geothermal, 3% from wind and 1% from biomass power facilities. It seeks to increase its geothermal capacity as it provides constant power supply throughout the year, unlike hydropower.

As part of their planned cooperation, JICA and ICE will also exchange technical competence related to geothermal energy exploration and cooperate on environmental matters.

Costa Rica aims to be fully carbon neutral by 2021.

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