Overview
Garabito ICE Power Plant is a 200 MW diesel power plant located in Costa Rica. It operates on oil and serves the national grid.
Garabito ICE Power Plant is a diesel-fired power generation facility located in Costa Rica, with a capacity of 200 megawatts. The plant is operational and plays a role in the country's energy mix, which includes a significant share of renewable sources like hydropower and geothermal. The facility uses oil as its primary fuel, a common choice for backup and peaking power in regions with variable renewable output. Diesel plants like this one typically operate during periods of high demand or when renewable generation is low. The plant's technology and emissions profile are subject to Costa Rica's environmental regulations, which aim to balance energy security with sustainability goals. As a thermal power plant, Garabito ICE contributes to grid stability but also has a higher carbon footprint compared to renewable alternatives. Its location near the Pacific coast may influence local air quality considerations. The plant supports Costa Rica's electricity supply, complementing the country's predominantly clean energy grid.
Environmental context
The plant's oil-fired operation results in CO2, SOx, and NOx emissions, which are regulated under Costa Rica's environmental laws. Its proximity to populated areas and the coast may require adherence to air quality standards. The 200 MW capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for diesel plants, with potential local environmental impacts from fuel storage and combustion.
Frequently asked questions
Garabito ICE Power Plant is located in Costa Rica, near the Pacific coast at coordinates 10.0444° N, -84.7601° W.
Garabito ICE Power Plant uses oil as its primary fuel for power generation.
The plant has a capacity of 200 megawatts, making it a medium-to-large diesel power plant.
Diesel power plants in Costa Rica must comply with national environmental regulations, including emission limits for SOx, NOx, and particulate matter, as well as fuel storage and handling standards.
As a thermal plant, Garabito ICE provides backup and peaking power to complement Costa Rica's predominantly renewable grid, which relies heavily on hydropower and geothermal energy.