19 clean energy plants will operate in three years

15 initiatives are run by private companies and cooperatives

ICE is responsible for the 'Reventazón' plan and improving 'Cachí' and 'Río Macho'

May 25th,2014.

Nineteen plants generating clean energy created from renewable sources debut operations in the country in the next three years and provide up to 800 megawatts (MW) to the energy system.

This is considered the National Plan of Expansion of Electricity Generation, which includes 12 hydroelectric and wind projects with installed capacities seven; these range from 3.4 MW to 307 MW.

In the short term, the project will help meet domestic demand and reduce the purchase and the burning of fossil fuels.

Of the 19 projects underway, 15 are run by private producers and cooperatives.

Hydroelectric plants are Chucás, Torito, Capulin, The Hope of Atirro, Monte Verde II, Consuelo, La Perla and Bijagua, while the wind will Chiripa, Orosi, Tila Wind, Blue Fields, Altamira, Miramar and Winds Winds plants Pearl.

Moreover, the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is responsible solely for the hydroelectric project Reventazón, plus the expansion of Cachi and Rio Macho reservoirs.

One project, the Balsa Bottom, in San Ramón de Alajuela, will the National Power and Light Company (CNFL), a subsidiary of ICE.

All these initiatives and plans for construction will be supervised by the Regulatory Authority of Public Services (Aresep).

"Since 2013 we conducted a follow-up investment plans of electric utilities, so that the rate will move only the necessary costs and related public service," said Juan Manuel Quesada, mayor of Energy ARESEP.

Next year will begin operating the largest number of projects: seven in all. By 2016 it is planned to come into operation six, and in 2017 four more.

The 19 works in the making will be located in eleven different counties and districts, spread across the country.

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