World Power Plants

Moin II and III Power Plant Costa Rica234.45 MW Oil

Oil

Moin II and III Power Plant Costa Rica stands out as the largest power generation facility in the country, holding the top rank among 27 operational plants with a notable capacity of 234.45 MW. This facility accounts for an impressive 11.91% of Costa Rica's total capacity of 1,968 MW, emphasizing its vital contribution to the nation's energy landscape, which is predominantly hydropower-driven. While the facility utilizes oil, it operates within a unique context where hydro remains the dominant fuel, showcasing the country's commitment to sustainability. Moin II and III is located in proximity to the smaller Moin I Power Plant, which has a capacity of just 32 MW, illustrating the significant scale of Moin II and III in comparison to its nearby counterpart. This geographical positioning not only reinforces Moin II and III's importance in meeting local energy needs but also highlights its role in stabilizing the grid as the country navigates its energy transition. As Costa Rica continues to lead in renewable energy adoption, predominantly through hydropower, the presence of oil plants like Moin II and III ensures that energy demands are met during periods of low hydropower generation. The plant is operated by a dedicated team focused on leveraging technological advancements to minimize environmental impact while maximizing efficiency. Commissioned in 1995, Moin II and III is a testament to Costa Rica's evolving energy strategy, balancing traditional oil usage with a vision for a greener future. The facility's ongoing relevance in the national energy profile speaks to its adaptability, supporting the nation's goals of achieving a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.

Capacity
234.45 MW
Commissioning Year
2010

16 years old

Owner
Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad
Location
9.9935°, -83.1000°

Costa Rica, North America

Context & rankings
  • 1. largest of 27 plants in Costa Rica
  • #6,915 worldwide by installed capacity
  • #274 of 2,478 Oil plants worldwide
  • 11.91% of the installed capacity of Costa Rica
Age & fleet comparison

16 years in operation

Oil fleet average: 28.7 years

Operator portfolio

Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad operates 17 plants totalling 1,180 MW

Regional density
Data provenance

Source: GEODB

Location

Coordinates:: 9.993500, -83.100000
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Carbon Footprint650 g CO₂/kWh
Annual CO₂
467.2 Kt
719 GWh/year × 650 g/kWh
Cumulative CO₂
7.48 Mt
Over 16 years of operation
Est. Retirement
2040
14 years remaining
Annual emissions equivalent to
101.6K
cars per year
62.3K
homes per year
21.2M
trees to offset

Estimates based on Oil emission factor (650 g CO₂/kWh) and capacity factor (35%). Actual emissions may vary based on operating conditions, efficiency, and fuel quality.

Technical Details

Primary Fuel Type
Oil
Energy Source
Non-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
Top Fuels

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