IDB Approves $250M for Electricity Sector in Costa Rica

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) announced it had approved $250 million in financing for Costa Rica's electricity sector. Nearly $98 million will go to the Reventazón Hydroelectric Project, and the remainder will go toward investments in improving state power company ICE's electricity generation, transmission, and distribution capacities. IDB aims to improve the quality of energy and improve coverage in rural areas, according to press.

In May, ICE said it plans to invest $9 billion over the next 12 years in the nation’s power sector, with the majority to go toward generation in hydro, thermal, and geothermal. And IDB is further involved in the region, announcing earlier this year joint investments with the Japan International Cooperation Agency targeted up to $600 million in green energy renewable and energy efficiency projects in Central America and the Caribbean.
Costa Rica derives 12 percent (163 MW) of its electricity production from geothermal energy, the GEA noted in its recent “Geothermal: International Market Overview Report.” In fact, it was one of 39 countries identified in 1999 by GEA as having the potential to meet 100% of their electricity needs through domestic geothermal resources.
The majority of countries in Central America have developed a portion of their geothermal resources for utility scale power production. In Central America rapid economic growth, increasing dependence on imported fossil fuels, and a push to overcome regional fragmentation through the SIEPAC (Sistema de Interconexion Electrica para America Central) transmission interconnection have created the need for the development of the region’s renewable resources, the
international overview report noted.
This article was originally published in GEA's Geothermal Energy Weekly and was republished with permission.

Colonia Blanca Cabalgata

A couple of weeks ago we received an invitation from our neighbors to attend the Colonia Blanca Cabalgata.  Who can turn down beer, good food, friends and a party!!!  Colonia Blanca is nice little Tico Town about 15 kilometers from our house or about a 2 hour horse ride.  So early one weekend morning I met up with my neighbors son and off we went with one horse in tow. We met up with Goyito and his son  about 3 kilometers from house. 

After a few stops on the way to BS with whomever (Ticos love to BS and catch up with friends and neighbors especially the country folks).  We arrived in Colonia Blanca for registration which includes a few cerveza and more visiting.  I was the only English speaking person which is interesting but I got by with my Spanglish!

Lined up and waiting to hit the trail! Finally after the usual delays waiting for riders, we left at about 1:00 PM which was about 2 hours later than scheduled! With more than 120 riders we were off to explore the Colonia Blanca countryside.

Here we are at the midway point to stop for bocas, beer and more visiting!

Of course if you are going to have a party you gotta have a sound system even if there is no power.  So what do you do - you find someone with the world's largest boom box - speakers on top - power plant in front:-)                                                          

The ride was quite spectacular and not for the faint of heart as we went up and down some very steep hills and crossed several mid size rivers.  Our sure footed trusty Tico horses came through in style.

After a long day in the saddle - my little buddy reflecting :-)   All of 6 years old this little guy rode like a trooper!  He rode with us all the way to Colonia Blanca, then throughout the entire Cabalgata, but did not make the return trip.

We arrived back at Colonia Blanca about 4:30 PM.  About 5:00 it was time to head home as darkness hits shortly after 6:00 PM.  We rode as fast as we could but could not beat nightfall.  We came to the junction in the trail and had to decide whether to take the short cut or the long way which was a much better trail. After a little discussion Claudio, and I decided to take the short cut and save an hour. The jungle at night is one dark, scary place!   This was my first time experience on horses in absolute black dark as we rode through the jungle with all its sounds and sights - all we could see were the fire flys.  I literally could not see my hand in front of my face but our horses negotiated the slippery trail up and down without mishap.  I was truly impressed and thankful.  Next time I am bringing my headlamp:-)  If you ever have the chance to take part in a Cabalgata - do it, you will never forget the experience.  Till next time - Happy Trails and Pura Vida!