ICE And CABEI Advance With Studies to Generate Energy with Offshore Wind Resources in Costa Rica

ICE statement

Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE), together with the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI), are advancing in the analysis of the offshore wind resource of the North Pacific of Costa Rica. The organizations are working on schemes that will serve as an input for the eventual production of electricity with this source.

The non-reimbursable cooperation initiative is executed with the Korea-CABEI Single Donor Trust Fund (KTF). To date, it has collected oceanic, socioeconomic and environmental data, as a basis for analyzing the available offshore wind resource. The studies are projected to finish in November of this year.

The investigation is carried out by a multidisciplinary team of international specialists, under the firm Offshore Wind Consultants (OWC). It has the support of ICE and the participation of the national academy, public organizations and NGOs linked to the marine-coastal zone.

"Exploring this resource is essential for the renewable electrification of the economy, and also adds value and investment in coastal areas. The country has a matrix of sustainable resources, which must grow to generate jobs and boost the economy of rural areas," said Harold Cordero, general manager of ICE.

As part of the tasks, the meteorological and oceanic conditions of the region were assessed. Work was also done on the design of a monitoring system with buoys and satellites that will collect data and serve to evaluate the local infrastructure.

Álvaro Alfaro, CABEI country head in Costa Rica, indicated that "as an ally of ICE, at CABEI we are enthusiastic about the progress of the studies, which have the support of the Republic of Korea, a leader in technology and renewable energy. The incorporation of offshore wind energy in the country has the potential to reactivate the economy and increase the diversification of sources; In addition, it will improve the electricity markets and prepare us for the increase in demand for resources."

"Costa Rica is a regional benchmark in the generation of electricity with clean sources. This project reinforces the commitment of the country and that of CABEI as the Green Bank of the region," stated Erwen Masís, director of Costa Rica before CABEI.

As part of the non-reimbursable cooperation –for $600,000– support will also be provided for the development of a preliminary environmental and social impact assessment (EIAs), to establish a social awareness strategy, and thus strengthen capacities and the transfer of technical knowledge to ICE. (https://www.bnamericas.com/en/news/ice-and-cabei-advance-with-studies-to-generate-energy-with-offshore-wind-resources-in-costa-rica)