Today’s trip from La Fortuna to Monteverde showed us how important renewable energy is in Costa Rica. We stopped at a wind farm and later reflected on the hydroelectric dam on Lake Arenal, which we saw a few days ago from a distance. Our professor told us that when the dam broke a few years ago, the country had to rely on all the wind turbines to keep power flowing. Now that the dam is back and producing so much electricity, some turbines are locked in place because the extra energy isn’t needed. It was a good reminder that energy has to be used or stored right away; you can’t just let it sit.

Costa Rica’s numbers are impressive. About 99% of its electricity comes from renewable sources, totaling around 13,000 kilowatt‑hours. Around 75% is hydroelectric, with 60% of that coming from Lake Arenal. Hydroelectric power is powerful and reliable when rainfall is steady, but it depends heavily on water levels. Too little rain can reduce output, while too much can overwhelm dams and affect ecosystems. The rest of Costa Rica’s energy is split between geothermal and wind, each making up about 15%. Geothermal energy taps into the heat stored beneath the earth’s surface, which makes it steady and predictable, but it requires careful management to avoid damaging underground systems or releasing harmful gases. Wind energy, on the other hand, is clean and renewable but depends on consistent wind patterns. Turbines can’t generate power without strong winds, and when there’s too much energy produced, some blades are locked in place to avoid oversupply. Wind farms also change the landscape and can affect local wildlife. The benefits are clear: clean energy and less dependence on fossil fuels. But each source has its own needs and limits. Hydro relies on rainfall, geothermal relies on safe access to underground heat, and wind relies on steady breezes and careful balancing of supply. Together, they show how Costa Rica has built a system that works most of the time, but still requires smart planning and trade‑offs.

In Monteverde, we saw sustainability on a smaller scale at the Café Monteverde coffee tour. They compost coffee husks and food scraps, turning waste into rich soil for new crops. The farm also grows coffee in ways that protect the environment, like shade‑grown plants that support biodiversity and water‑saving methods. Seeing this made the big picture of Costa Rica’s renewable energy feel more connected to everyday life. From turbines and dams to compost piles and coffee plants, the country shows how sustainability can work at every level.