Overview
Don Pedro Hydroelectric Power Plant is a 14 MW operational hydroelectric facility in Costa Rica. It contributes to the country's renewable energy grid, leveraging Costa Rica's abundant water resources.
Don Pedro Hydroelectric Power Plant is an operational hydroelectric facility located in Costa Rica, with a capacity of 14 MW. As a small-scale hydroelectric plant, it plays a role in Costa Rica's predominantly renewable energy matrix, which relies heavily on hydropower. The plant is situated in the northern region of the country, near the coordinates 10.3130° N, -84.1720° W, though no specific city or province is listed. Hydroelectric plants like Don Pedro typically utilize run-of-river or reservoir-based systems to generate electricity. In Costa Rica, hydroelectric power is the backbone of electricity generation, supported by the country's mountainous terrain and high rainfall. The plant operates under Costa Rica's national energy regulations, which promote renewable energy development and environmental sustainability. The 14 MW capacity places it in the small-scale category for hydroelectric plants, which can range from a few megawatts to over 1,000 MW. The environmental significance of Don Pedro Hydroelectric Power Plant lies in its use of a renewable, low-carbon energy source. Hydropower avoids the emissions associated with fossil fuel plants, though it can have local ecological impacts such as altered river flows and effects on aquatic habitats. The plant's small size may mitigate some of these impacts. As part of Costa Rica's clean energy infrastructure, it supports the country's goal of carbon neutrality and provides reliable electricity to local communities.
Environmental context
Hydroelectric power generation in Costa Rica benefits from the country's abundant rainfall and steep topography, enabling low-carbon electricity. However, small-scale hydro plants like Don Pedro can affect local river ecosystems, including fish migration and sediment transport. The plant's location in a tropical region with high biodiversity underscores the importance of balancing renewable energy production with environmental stewardship. Costa Rica's strong environmental regulations help mitigate these impacts.
Frequently asked questions
Don Pedro Hydroelectric Power Plant is located in Costa Rica, with approximate coordinates 10.3130° N, -84.1720° W.
Don Pedro Hydroelectric Power Plant has a capacity of 14 megawatts (MW), classifying it as a small-scale hydroelectric facility.
Don Pedro is a hydroelectric power plant, meaning it generates electricity by harnessing the energy of flowing water, typically through turbines.
Hydroelectric plants in Costa Rica operate under national energy and environmental regulations, including the Electricity Law and the Environmental Law. The Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE) oversees the sector, promoting renewable energy and sustainable practices.
Costa Rica generates over 98% of its electricity from renewable sources, primarily hydropower. Don Pedro, as a 14 MW hydro plant, contributes to this clean energy grid, supporting the country's carbon neutrality goals and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.