Overview
Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station is a 210 MW operational hydroelectric facility in Costa Rica. It contributes to the country's renewable energy grid, leveraging hydropower for clean electricity generation.
Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station is a 210 MW hydroelectric facility located in Costa Rica, a country renowned for its high reliance on renewable energy. The plant is operational and plays a key role in the national power grid, supporting Costa Rica's goal of carbon-neutral electricity production. The facility operates using hydropower, a renewable energy source that harnesses the flow of water to generate electricity. With a capacity of 210 MW, it falls within the medium-to-large scale for hydroelectric plants in Central America. Costa Rica's regulatory framework for energy includes the National Energy Plan and incentives for renewable sources, aligning with global trends toward sustainable power generation. Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station contributes to Costa Rica's impressive renewable energy portfolio, which often exceeds 98% renewable generation annually. The plant supports local communities by providing reliable electricity and reducing dependence on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and promoting environmental sustainability.
Environmental context
As a hydroelectric plant, Angostura generates electricity without direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions, offering a low-carbon footprint compared to fossil fuel plants. However, hydroelectric projects can affect local aquatic ecosystems and water flow regimes. The facility's location in Costa Rica, a biodiverse country, necessitates careful management of downstream water quality and fish migration. Typical hydro plants in the region are sited in mountainous areas with minimal urban impact.
Frequently asked questions
Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Costa Rica, at coordinates 9.9221 N, -83.6423 W.
The facility has a capacity of 210 megawatts (MW), making it a medium-to-large hydroelectric plant in the region.
It is a hydroelectric power plant, which generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water.
Hydroelectric plants in Costa Rica operate under the National Energy Plan and regulations from the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), which promote renewable energy and environmental sustainability.
The plant supports Costa Rica's aim to achieve carbon-neutral electricity generation by providing clean, renewable hydropower, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.