The Way Forward for Renewable Energy in Central America

BackgroundCentral America relies heavily on petroleum imports and unsustainable forms of large hydropower to meet its energy needs. This dependence on conventional energy sources has had wide-ranging social, environmental, and economic consequences. Yet, there is now more opportunity than ever to rapidly advance sustainable energy in Central America through the electricity sector, but also to address the use of traditional biomass and petroleum in transportation. Nevertheless, while the region’s governments have embraced a variety of policies to promote renewable energy, these have not been effective enough to advance renewables to their full potential. READ MORE |
Our ResponseWorldwatch research has demonstrated that the successful advancement of renewable energy first requires clear understanding of the current energy situation, as well as of alternative future pathways. This includes an understanding of the technical and resource potential of different power sources, the socioeconomic barriers and opportunities surrounding their use, and the political and financial mechanisms that promote or hinder them. Worldwatch Institute is partnering with the INCAE Business School in Costa Rica to help the region harness its immense potential to utilize renewable energy sources such as wind, geothermal, small-scale hydropower, biomass, and solar. READ MORE |
The ProjectPhase 1: Creation of a network of experts and initial study of the status of renewable energy and existing best practices |
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This project supported by:
AEA/EEP's 21st Regional Forum in Costa Rica |
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The Project Team
![]() | Energy & Climate Director |
![]() | Project Manager |
![]() | Central America Fellow |
![]() | Senior Project Advisor |
![]() | INCAE Research Fellow |
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The Worldwatch Institute is a global leader in international renewable energy market and policy analysis. Each year, Worldwatch contributes to the REN21 Renewables Global Status Report, a leading reference publication that details worldwide renewable energy trends. Current projects include the production of comprehensive sustainable energy roadmaps for the governments of the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica as well as a food and agriculture project titled Nourishing the Planet.
In this project, the Worldwatch Institute is collaborating with the INCAE Business School’s Latin American Center for Competitiveness and Sustainable Development (CLACDS) as a regional implementation partner. As INCAE’s principal research organization and ‘impact center’, CLACDS serves as an action-based think tank for the region’s governments, international organizations, private sector and civil society.




















