Living Sustainably in Costa Rica: Clean Energy, Green Homes & Eco-Friendly Communities
Costa Rica has become a global beacon for sustainable living. In 2023, over 95% of its electricity came from renewable sources, and the nation’s ambitious National Decarbonization Plan (NDP) aims for complete carbon neutrality by 2050. These commitments not only set an international example but also make Costa Rica one of the most attractive places in the world for eco-conscious living.
What Powers Sustainable Living in Costa Rica?
Costa Rica’s electricity grid is primarily fueled by a diverse and robust mix of renewables.
- Hydropower: Hydropower forms the bedrock of the energy infrastructure, accounting for approximately 74% of the country’s electricity in 2023. Key projects include the Presa Sangregado Dam at Lake Arenal and the Reventazón Dam, which powers over 500,000 homes. However, this reliance presents a vulnerability during droughts. For example, in April 2024, fossil fuels temporarily contributed up to a quarter of electricity generation because of low water levels, though this dropped to under 10% by July. As a result, the country announced electricity rationing in May 2024, which highlights the need for diversification.
- Geothermal Energy: Leveraging its volcanic terrain, geothermal power contributes a stable 13% to the national grid, particularly in regions like Guanacaste.
- Wind Energy: Growing steadily, wind power supplied 12.5% of Costa Rica’s electricity in 2023. Facilities like the Western Lake Arenal Wind Farm in Tilarán play a significant role.
- Solar Energy: While still a smaller contributor at 0.5% in 2023, solar energy is expanding. It is increasingly used in residential and distributed generation applications, offering more opportunities for grid independence.
- Biomass: This source contributes a minor but consistent 0.1% to the energy mix.
Real Estate for Sustainable Living: The Clean Energy Advantage
Costa Rica’s energy infrastructure creates strong advantages for the real estate market:
- Reliable, renewable power in both urban and rural areas.
- High appeal to eco-conscious buyers, boosting property values.
- Lower utility bills and incentives for eco-friendly upgrades.
In communities like Nuevo Arenal, properties benefit directly from the clean energy hub at Lake Arenal. Explore our Nuevo Arenal homes for sale to see how sustainability translates into real estate value.
Spotlight: Lake Arenal, and Tilarán
Some regions stand out as prime examples of sustainable living:
- Lake Arenal: A key hydropower source that also supports hybrid solar-hydro home solutions.
- Nuevo Arenal: A vibrant lakeside community with eco-conscious real estate, boutique hotels, and eco-lodges. Browse our Nuevo Arenal real estate listings to discover homes designed with sustainability in mind.
- Tilarán: Known for its wind farms and cooler climate, ideal for those seeking privacy and green living.
Eco-Lodges and Boutique Hotels
Costa Rica’s sustainability extends into hospitality, especially around Lake Arenal and Nuevo Arenal. Eco-lodges and boutique hotels integrate solar and hydro power, organic gardens, and natural building materials to provide immersive eco-friendly stays.
Guests enjoy wellness retreats, birdwatching, and forest hikes, experiencing the region’s sustainable lifestyle before committing to ownership.
If you’re inspired by Nuevo Arenal eco-lodges and boutique hotels, explore our available eco-friendly homes in Nuevo Arenal to make this lifestyle permanent.
National Decarbonization Plan (NDP): A Vision for 2050
Costa Rica’s commitment extends far beyond electricity. The National Decarbonization Plan (NDP), launched in 2019, outlines a comprehensive roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Key initiatives include:
- Electrification of Transportation: Ambitious targets aim for 70% of public buses and taxis to be electric by 2035 and 100% by 2050. Indeed, Costa Rica is already a leader in electric vehicle adoption. It achieved the highest EV market share in the Americas for the third consecutive year in 2024, with a Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market share of 15.4%. Specifically, sales of all-electric passenger vehicles soared by 80% in 2024 compared to 2023, with 11,373 units sold.
- Reforestation and Biodiversity: The plan also aims to increase forest cover from 52% to 60% by 2030.
- Green Building and Sustainable Tourism: Incentives are in place to encourage eco-friendly construction and tourism practices.
- Modernizing Industry and Waste Management: Additionally, the plan promotes low-emission energy sources in industry and focuses on developing integrated, efficient waste management systems.
The NDP is supported by significant international funding, including loans from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD).
The Future of Sustainable Living: Eco-Communities in Costa Rica
For those looking to relocate, retire, or invest, Costa Rica offers a unique opportunity:
- Abundant clean energy and modern infrastructure.
- Eco-conscious communities like Nuevo Arenal and Tilarán.
- Expanding investment potential, including solar, wind, smart grids, and EV infrastructure.
Communities in the Lake Arenal region embody the balance between nature, renewable energy, and modern living. Discover our homes for sale in Nuevo Arenal and start your sustainable journey today.
Communities like Lake Arenal and Tilarán embody this harmonious balance between nature and energy systems, offering not just homes, but a vision of a truly sustainable future.
References:
- Cleantech market in Costa Rica – Tradecommissioner.gc.ca
- Costa Rica | Climate Action Tracker
- Costa Rica Electricity Generation Mix 2024 | Low-Carbon Power Data
- National Decarbonization Plan – Government of Costa Rica 2018-2050 – UNFCCC
- Costa Rica advances with its National Decarbonization Plan with IDB support
- Costa Rica Achieved the Highest EV Market Share in the Americas for 3rd Consecutive Year in 2024 – CleanTechnica
- Costa Rica – Climate Investment Funds (CIF)