World Power Plants

Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station Costa Rica210 MW Hydroelectric

HydroRenewable

Costa Rica's Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station ranks as the second largest hydroelectric facility in the country, showcasing a robust capacity of 210 MW. This position underscores its vital contribution to Costa Rica's energy landscape, where hydroelectric power plays a dominant role. The facility accounts for approximately 10.67% of the nation's total capacity of 1,968 MW across 27 plants, emphasizing its significance in a grid that is heavily reliant on renewable resources. Utilizing advanced hydroelectric technology, the Angostura facility generates power by harnessing the kinetic energy of flowing water. This method not only allows for a sustainable energy production process but also minimizes the carbon footprint associated with electricity generation. The plant's operational efficiency is bolstered by its strategic location, which maximizes water flow from nearby rivers, ensuring a reliable and consistent energy supply. Located within a rich hydroelectric region, the Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station is part of a network of plants that collectively contribute to Costa Rica's commitment to renewable energy. Nearby facilities include the Rio Macho Hydroelectric Power Plant (120 MW), Cachi Hydroelectric Power Station (102 MW), and several smaller plants, creating a synergistic energy cluster that capitalizes on the country's abundant water resources. Costa Rica is renowned for its pioneering efforts in sustainable energy, with hydroelectric power accounting for the majority of its electricity generation. The Angostura facility, being the largest hydro plant after the Reventazón project, plays a crucial role in this green energy revolution. It not only helps meet local demand but also supports the country's ambitious goals of achieving carbon neutrality. Commissioned in the late 1990s, the Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station is operated by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), reflecting the government's commitment to harnessing renewable energy sources. As Costa Rica continues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, the Angostura facility will remain a key asset in balancing the grid and providing clean, sustainable power for future generations. Its impact on local economies and natural ecosystems will be significant as the country strives to maintain its leadership in sustainable energy production.

Capacity
210 MW
Commissioning Year
2016

10 years old

Owner
ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad)
Location
9.9221°, -83.6423°

Costa Rica, North America

Context & rankings
  • 2. largest of 27 plants in Costa Rica
  • #7,221 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #1,419 of 8,493 Hydroelectric plants worldwide
  • 10.67% of the installed capacity of Costa Rica
Age & fleet comparison

10 years in operation

Hydroelectric fleet average: 42.1 years

Operator portfolio

ICE (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad) operates 6 plants totalling 627 MW

Regional density
Data provenance

Source: GEODB

Location

Coordinates:: 9.922100, -83.642300
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Carbon Footprint

Zero Direct Emissions

Angostura Hydroelectric Power Station Costa Rica is a hydro power plant producing approximately 736 GWh of clean electricity per year with zero direct CO₂ emissions during operation.

Lifecycle emissions: ~24 g CO₂/kWh (manufacturing, transport, decommissioning)

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Hydro
Energy Source
Renewable
Country
Costa Rica
Continent
North America
Data Source
Global Power Plant Database

Costa RicaEnergy Profile

27
Total Plants
2.0 GW
Total Capacity
HydroOilGeothermalSolar
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