ABANGARES, COSTA RICA — Construction has officially commenced on Costa Rica’s largest photovoltaic solar park to date, marking a major milestone in the nation’s ongoing transition toward a fully diversified and climate-resilient energy grid. The project is designed to expand national solar generation capacity, lower overall system costs, and ultimately deliver reduced electricity tariffs for consumers.
The initiative, officially named the Abangares Photovoltaic Solar Project, is being developed in a joint public-cooperative partnership between the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad – ICE) and rural electrification cooperative Coopeguanacaste, with project financing provided by Banco Nacional.
Located in Abangares, Guanacaste, the facility is scheduled to complete construction and begin full commercial operation in the fourth quarter of 2027.
Location: Abangares, Guanacaste Province, Costa Rica
Developers: ICE & Coopeguanacaste
Financial Partner: Banco Nacional
Target Operation Date: Q4 2027
Energy Allocation: Split 50/50 between ICE and Coopeguanacaste
Beyond expanding clean energy supply, the solar facility is strategically designed to strengthen the Costa Rican electric grid against climate phenomena such as El Niño. By increasing solar power’s share in the national mix, the country aims to reduce its vulnerability during dry periods when hydroelectric reservoirs experience lower water levels.
Under the partnership agreement, both ICE and Coopeguanacaste are collaborating on financing, planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance. The total energy generated by the plant will be distributed equally, with each entity receiving 50% of the production.
“We are taking a firm step toward expanding our electricity generation capacity through solar power, as announced in 2023. This alliance demonstrates that the national electricity model can grow through innovative ideas, synergies, and strategic vision.”
— Marco Acuña, President of Grupo ICE
Once construction is completed, operational responsibilities will be split according to each partner’s strengths:
“Participating in this project reflects our technical and financial capability to develop large-scale energy infrastructure and contribute meaningfully to the strengthening of the national power system.”
— Miguel Gómez, General Manager of Coopeguanacaste
The project establishes a major benchmark for public-cooperative collaboration in Latin America’s renewable energy sector.
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