Don't be mistaken. In many developing nations there is a thirst for power. Renewables aren't up to it when it comes to the scale and speed required (even though the countries involved are on the equator).
I don't advocate for the use of coal in generating power but this is what seems to be going on.
The largest (MW/GW wise) expansion projects in terms of power generation are all coal projects as far as I'm aware on the entire African continent.
Typically each unit/turbine generates close to 1 GW. It's hard to find something with the equivalent cost (including the use of a small amount of space) with renewable energy.
Even the best geothermal well in Kenya, on the rift valley geothermal reservoir, only gives out near 5 MW.
The renewable scaling issue is something that needs to be faced. Costa Rica truly has achieved a milestone much larger than it sounds.
It is possible I'm not saying its not. The three gorges dam hydroelectric plant is able to produce near 22 GW, also the largest power plant in the world (including non renewable energy)
I don't advocate for the use of coal in generating power but this is what seems to be going on.
The largest (MW/GW wise) expansion projects in terms of power generation are all coal projects as far as I'm aware on the entire African continent.
Typically each unit/turbine generates close to 1 GW. It's hard to find something with the equivalent cost (including the use of a small amount of space) with renewable energy.
Even the best geothermal well in Kenya, on the rift valley geothermal reservoir, only gives out near 5 MW.
The renewable scaling issue is something that needs to be faced. Costa Rica truly has achieved a milestone much larger than it sounds.
It is possible I'm not saying its not. The three gorges dam hydroelectric plant is able to produce near 22 GW, also the largest power plant in the world (including non renewable energy)