About the Project
The Los Santos region is located in the south of the capital San José in the midst of the rugged mountain ranges of Costa Rica. As one of the countries windiest regions, it is of rural character where people usually work in agriculture and cattle raising.
The wind farm has been constructed and is operated by a local electricity generation cooperative, which distinguishes itself by having a very high degree of stakeholder involvement.
With its annual generation of around 20,000 MWh of electricity, the 12.75 MW national grid-connected wind farm provides clean electricity to 50,000 people and 11,000 households in the rural and underdeveloped mountain region and reduces around 15,000 tons of CO2-eq annually, transforming the surrounding communities in a positive way.
While generating clean electricity, the aim of the project is to apply high social standards, support the local communities in improving infrastructure as well as to educate the population on sustainable energy consumption, climate change and biodiversity. By generating actual employment and business opportunities, the project contributes to the overall economic development of the region. Furthermore, the cooperative offers all its staff members and on-site personnel regular contracts which include contributions to social security and insurance. By doing so, they ensure sustainable integration of the project and its employees into the local society.
The additional registration under the CDM and Gold Standard ensures that all relevant indicators of the project’s contribution to a sustainable development are monitored and guaranteed throughout the lifetime of the project.
Project Standard
SDG
Project Video
Project Facts
| Project type | Wind energy |
| Location | Costa Rica |
| Carbon standard | CDM, Gold Standard |
| CDM project ID | 6275 |
| GS project ID | 3405 |
| Registration date | 11/06/2012 |
| Installed capacity | 12.75 MW |
| Annual CO2-eq reduction | 15,000 tons |
Sustainable Development Goals
While working towards the transition to a low-carbon future and taking action against climate change, the Los Santos Wind Power Project actively contributes toward achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Each of the 17 goals has specific targets seeking to protect the planet, end poverty, reduce inequality and ensure prosperity for all.
Emission reduction of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen monoxide (NO). Studies prove a significant correlation between high concentrations of SO2 or NO and cardiovascular and respiratory diseases.
Generation and distribution of 20,000 MWh clean energy to rural, underdeveloped regions, increases the total share of renewable energy within national energy mix and secures local energy supply.
Creation of 6 skilled technical full-time jobs and an additional 14 indirect jobs in rural region for men and women. Provision of income to co-op shareholder.
Preparation and directing of workshops for children and students on environmental education, focusing on renewable energy, climate change and waste recycling.
Annual reduction of 15,000 tons CO2-eq. The reduction is in line with Costa Rica‘s ratification of the second commitment period of the Kyoto protocol and NDCs, submitted in accordance with the Paris Agreement.
Transfer of revenue share to Costa Rica and support of environmentally sound technology development, since Carbonbay, as project partner, is responsible for the distribution of the generated carbon credits.