Costa Rica has reached a remarkable milestone, powering its entire nation with 100% clean, renewable energy.
This Central American leader sustained this achievement for 75 straight days, relying solely on renewable sources without burning a single drop of oil.
Abundant rainfall this year supercharged its hydroelectric plants, nearly meeting the country's full electricity needs. Geothermal, solar, and wind power provided the perfect complement, eliminating any reliance on coal or oil.
Costa Rica benefits from its compact size—home to fewer than 5 million people—and limited heavy industry, alongside natural assets like volcanoes ideal for geothermal energy.
Still, this feat stands as an unparalleled accomplishment, proving that full independence from fossil fuels is achievable for nations committed to the challenge.
Costa Rica isn't alone. Nearby Bonaire, a Dutch territory off Venezuela, operates almost entirely on renewables and eyes 100% with innovative algae-based "algofuel."
Global investments, largely driven by China, are set to yield returns this year—the first in three years.
Iceland already produces all its electricity from renewables, with 85% of total energy from geothermal and hydro sources.
Sweden, Bulgaria, and Estonia have surpassed their 2020 renewable targets. Denmark sources 40% of its energy from wind and aims to phase out fossil fuels by 2050.
Costa Rica's government has greenlit a $958 million geothermal project to sustain this momentum.
This success underscores the power of bold policy—a blueprint for ambitious renewable transitions worldwide.
