Costa Rica is preparing a US$245 million procurement programme to modernize the 100MW Ventanas Garita hydroelectric plant, marking a significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure and long-term power system reliability. The project has entered the planned procurement pipeline of state-owned electricity provider Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) and forms part of a broader energy modernization strategy supported by international financing.

The planned overhaul will upgrade the Ventanas Garita hydroelectric facility, which began operations in 1987, extending its operational lifespan by an estimated 40 years while improving efficiency and grid performance. The project is financed under a second renewable energy, electricity transmission, and distribution programme supported by a US$200 million Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) loan.

Major Hydropower Modernization and Grid Upgrade Programme

The modernization works will include upgrades to electromechanical systems, step-up transformers, and key plant infrastructure, helping improve operational performance and long-term energy generation reliability.

In addition to the hydropower revamp, the programme includes investment in electricity transmission infrastructure, including:

• Reactive transformers
• Substation protection systems
• Grid control technologies
• Optical ground wire infrastructure

The initiative also supports public lighting efficiency improvements, contributing to broader national energy optimization goals.

Procurement Pipeline Creates Future Energy Opportunities

ICE has indicated that modernization of the Ventanas Garita plant is expected to take approximately four years, with sections of the facility scheduled to go offline between 2027 and 2029 to facilitate upgrades.

To maintain electricity supply during the temporary outage, ICE is advancing additional procurement programmes, including thermal power leasing contracts and development of the 200MW Moín IV thermal generation project.

In parallel, the utility has also launched a special procurement process for advanced metering equipment, financed through a separate IDB-backed initiative.

The programme signals upcoming opportunities for companies involved in:

• Hydropower plant modernization
• Electromechanical equipment supply
• Power transformers and substations
• Grid protection and control systems
• Energy transmission infrastructure
• Smart metering technologies
  
  

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