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Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant
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The Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant, located in the Guanacaste province at the foot of the Miravalles Volcano, is a cornerstone of Costa Rica's sustainable energy matrix. Operated by the Costa Rican Electricity Institute (ICE), the facility began operations with its first unit in 1994 and has since expanded significantly. The plant harnesses high-pressure steam from underground geothermal reservoirs heated by volcanic activity to drive electricity-generating turbines. Currently, the complex consists of five units with a total installed capacity of approximately 160 megawatts, providing a reliable and CO2-neutral power source. One of the primary advantages of this geothermal site is its ability to provide consistent baseload power, unaffected by seasonal weather patterns or droughts that impact hydroelectric production. The development of Miravalles has brought significant economic growth to the Bagaces region through infrastructure improvements and technical employment. Beyond energy production, the site is an international benchmark for geothermal research and sustainable resource management.
- Location: Costa Rica
- Nearby: Bagaces (6 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 24 |
| Rain mm | 13 | 9 | 10 | 40 | 187 | 177 | 131 | 176 | 252 | 289 | 132 | 28 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant is an important source of renewable energy in Costa Rica, using geothermal heat to generate electricity. It is one of the largest geothermal plants in Central America, powering thousands of households.
Visiting
The plant is not open to the public, but the facility with its cooling towers and steam pipes is visible from the access road. A visitor center may offer information and viewing platforms.
Where to view it
The best view of the plant is from the access road that branches off the main road. From elevated points in the surroundings, one gets a panoramic view of the steam plumes and the volcanic landscape.
Local products
In the region, there are hot springs and mud baths that testify to geothermal activity. Local farms produce cheese and honey, sold at nearby markets.
Active season
The plant operates continuously, as geothermal heat is a constant energy source. The best time to visit the region is the dry season from December to April, when roads are accessible.
Nearby
Combine a visit with the Miravalles Volcano, offering hiking trails and hot springs. The Guanacaste National Park and the beaches of Liberia are also accessible for day trips.
Geography
Facts
- First unit became operational in 1994.
- Total installed capacity of approximately 160 MW.
- Comprises a total of 5 production units.
- Taps into geothermal heat from 2,500m depth.
- Provides about 10% of the national electricity.
- Owned and operated by the state utility ICE.
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Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant?
It is Costa Rica's most important facility for generating electricity from geothermal energy at the foot of the Miravalles volcano.
How much electricity does the plant produce?
It provides about 10-15% of the country's total electricity needs from renewable energy.
Can you visit the power plant?
There is a visitor center providing information on geothermal energy, but the technical area is restricted.
Are there thermal springs nearby?
Yes, due to volcanic activity, there are many hot springs and mud baths for tourists in the area.
Why is the facility important for the environment?
It produces clean base-load energy without CO2 emissions and independent of the weather.
Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant: where is it located?
Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant is located in Costa Rica.
Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.
Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant: why is it worth visiting?
The Miravalles Geothermal Power Plant, located in the Guanacaste province at the foot of the Miravalles Volcano, is a cornerstone of Costa Rica's sustainable energy matrix.
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