Instituto Costarricense De Electricidad Research Articles

The many-headed Hydra: assessing the Indigenous-hydropower cycle in Costa Rica

This article explores the intersection of hydropower development and Indigenous rights within the context of climate governance. A historical rift between dam supporters and opponents has evolved into a contentious ebb and flow of dam proposal-resistance between hydropower industries and Indigenous communities around the world. Conflicts have recently intensified as dams are promoted as a climate mitigation strategy and are increasingly encroaching on Indigenous territories. Research analyzes a case study in Costa Rica, where an Indigenous-hydropower cycle emerged from a 50-year feud between the national electricity institute (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad or ICE, pronounced E-say) and the Brörán peoples over development of the Térraba river—each time the state proposed a dam, the Brörán peoples defeated it, and another would emerge in its place. In this article, I ask why dam building continues despite the multitude of critiques and documented negative social-ecological consequences of hydropower projects. To address this question, I introduce the adaptive cycle, which serves as a heuristic model to investigate how and why the cycle continues, as well as to understand the power, justice, and equity issues involved in climate decision-making processes. Through a political ecology framework, I assess the hybridity of interrelated social-ecological, political, and economic factors encompassing the human-water nexus, conceptualized as a hydrosocial territory. Analysis suggests a rigidity trap that spans across multiple scales of governance causes the cycle to repeat, and given the current acceptance of hydropower within the climate governance arena, the cycle is likely to continue.

Optical Fiber Time Delay Comparison Between NIST and LAMETRO.

We describe the results of a bilateral measurement comparison of optical fiber time delay between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST, USA) and Laboratorio de Metrología, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (LAMETRO-ICE, Costa Rica), which was conducted on a single-mode optical fiber reference spool at wavelengths of 1310 nm and 1550 nm. The measurement results showed the largest difference to be less than 0.93 ns, which is within the combined standard uncertainty (coverage factor k = 1) for the measurement systems at the two laboratories.

Las Pailas geothermal field - Central America case study: Deciphering a volcanic geothermal play type through the combination of optimized geophysical exploration methods and classic geological conceptual models of volcano-tectonic systems

Sustainable exploitation strategies of high-enthalpy geothermal reservoirs in a volcanic geothermal play type require an accurate understanding of key geological structures such as faults, cap rock and caldera boundaries. Of same importance is the recognition of possible magmatic body intrusions and their morphology, whether they are tabular like dikes, layered like sills or domes. The relative value of those magmatic bodies, their age, shape and location rely on the role they play as possible local heat sources, hydraulic barriers between reservoir compartments, and their far-reaching effect on the geochemistry and dynamics of fluids. Obtaining detailed knowledge and a more complete understanding at the early stages of exploration through integrated geological, geophysical and geochemical methods is essential to determine promising geothermal drilling targets for optimized production/re-injection schemes and for the development of adequate exploitation programs. Valuable, extensive geophysical data gathered at Las Pailas high-enthalpy geothermal field at northwestern Costa Rica combined with detailed understanding of the geological structures in the underground may represent a sound basis for an in-depth geoscientific discussion on this topic. Currently, the German cooperation for the identification of geothermal resources in Central America, implemented by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR), supports an international and interdisciplinary effort, driven by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) with different international and national research institutions, including the Leibniz Institute for Applied Geophysics (LIAG). The discussions and joint studies refer to the optimized utilization of geophysical and geological methods for geothermal exploration in the Central American region, using the example of Las Pailas Geothermal Field. The results should contribute to a better understanding of the most appropriate geothermal exploration concepts for complex volcanic field settings in Central America.

Optical-Fiber Power Meter Comparison between NIST and LAMETRO.

We describe the results of a comparison of reference standards between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-USA) and Laboratorio de Metrologia, Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (LAMETRO-ICE, COSTA RICA) for optical fiber-based power measurements at wavelengths of 1310.0 nm, 1550.15 nm, and 1625.0 nm. We compare the laboratories' reference standards by means of a commercial temperature-controlled optical fiber power meter. Measurement results showed the largest difference of less than 5.8 parts in 103, which is within the combined standard (k=1) uncertainty for the two laboratories� reference standards.

Verification of applied geophysical procedures to standardize protocols for geothermal exploration in Central America

Although a large amount of geothermal exploration data exists in Central America since the 1960s, it has not yet lead to an even development of capacities in the region. Exploration methods and applied interpretations techniques did not evolve in many cases, due to a lack of knowledge exchange on a geoscientific level.To improve this situation, a verification of applied geophysical procedures will be developed by the InstitutoCostarricense de Electricidad (ICE, Costa Rica). Current international standards and updated approaches, including environmental aspects, will be taken into consideration to create guidelines on the application of geophysical methods for geothermal exploration in Central America. This is an important step to equalize the capacities of regional governmental institutions in the field of geothermal exploration and to enhance the comparability of geophysical exploration results in the region. The project is supported by the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR, Germany) in the framework of the German Cooperation with the Sistema de IntegraciónCentroamericano (SICA) for the Identification of Geothermal Resources in Central America. The activities are in the conceptualization phase and a field campaign in the AOI Las Pailas II Geothermal Project is planned for the third quarter of 2018.

Geo-Information Is Power: Using Geographical Information Systems to Assess Rooftop Photovoltaics in Costa Rica

Economies of scale, incentives, and technological advances have made photovoltaic (PV) systems more affordable and common in developed nations. In Latin America, however, cost and regulation are still barriers for their widespread adoption, particularly by residential and commercial customers. In Costa Rica, there has only recently been interest in rooftop PV systems thanks to a major pilot project carried out from 2010 to 2015 by the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, ICE), the administrator of the generation, the transmission system operator, and one of the eight distribution network operators (DNOs) who also supply electricity. The hundreds of installations involved in this project created the momentum needed by the local emerging PV industry to push for changes in the regulatory framework and demonstrate the economic benefits, given the relatively high electricity prices. Although this project represented only a modest PV penetration, ICE recognized that the ability of distribution circuits to host rooftop PV systems should be adequately assessed. This prompted the Ministry of Energy and Environment to create a new and important requirement for Costa Rican DNO s: the generation-hosting capacity of distribution circuits should be quantified considering a comprehensive set of studies, with most of them requiring detailed network models.

Case: Digital Governance Office

The Digital Governance Office is a small unit within the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (Costa Rican Electricity Institute, in English) originally founded by the President of Costa Rica in 2006 to facilitate digital governance development in the country. Soon after, the organization's capacity grew to implement projects, integrate actors, bring together different initiatives and elaborate digital governance strategy, demonstrating skills that other governmental teams and organizations did not have. This case presents examples showing that this capacity resulted from the presence of two of the five characteristics essential to high reliability organizations, commitment to resilience and sensitivity to operations. The case describes how this Office evolved, problems in implementing projects across the public sector, crises and the decision on which the future of the organization rested.

Final report: Interamerican Metrology System (SIM) Regional Metrology Organization (RMO) capacitance comparison. SIM.EM-K4.1, 10 pF fused-silica standard capacitor at 1000 Hz andSIM.EM-S4.1, 100 pF fused-silica standard capacitor at 1000 Hz

Two bilateral capacitance comparisons between the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) were carried out to demonstrate the significant improvements achieved in capacitance metrology by ICE. These comparisons were a follow-up to the 2006 SIM.EM-K4, -S3, and -S4 capacitance comparisons. These bilateral activities consist of capacitance comparison SIM.EM-K4.1, comparing a 10 pF fused-silica standard at 1000 Hz, and comparison SIM.EM-S4.1, comparing a 100 pF fused-silica standard at 1000 Hz. The result of these bilateral comparisons have provided improved degrees of equivalence between ICE and the participants of the SIM.EM-K4, -S3, and -S4 capacitance comparisons.Main text.To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCEM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).

Species diversity and distribution of freshwater crabs (Decapoda: Pseudothelphusidae) inhabiting the basin of the Rio Grande de Terraba, Pacific slope of Costa Rica

During the last decades, knowledge on biodiversity of freshwater decapods has increased considerably; however, information about ecology of these crustaceans is scarce. Currently, the freshwater decapod fauna of Costa Rica is comprised by representatives of three families (Caridea: Palaemonidae and Atyidae; Brachyura: Pseudothelphusidae). The present study aims to describe the species diversity and distribution of freshwater crabs inhabiting the basin of the Rio Grande de Terraba, Pacific slope of Costa Rica, where the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) plans to implement one of the largest damming projects in the region. Samples were collected in 39 locations at an altitude ranging from 20 to 1,225 m. Sampling was carried out during several months in 2007, 2009 and 2010. We collected a total of 661 crabs, comprising eight species of Pseudothelphusidae of three genera, representing 53% of the 15 pseudothelphusid crab species currently recorded from Costa Rica. The most common species was Ptychophallus paraxanthusi followed by P. tristani . Freshwater crabs were more frequently encountered in the middle-low region of the basin (between 311 and 600 m) and less frequently in the medium-high basin (between 601 and 1,225 m). Ptychophallus paraxanthusi showed the widest distribution and was collected in altitudes ranging from 20 to 700 m. The Rio Grande de Terraba region can be considered as a relatively small, but highly diverse system. Therefore, any alteration of the basin of Rio Grande de Terraba, and especially the possible construction of a hydroelectric power plant, needs to be carefully analyzed to mitigate the damaging effects of this project on the freshwater crabs. More ecological information about freshwater crabs from Costa Rica and the Central American region are needed to reach a first reasonable overview on the ecological role of these decapods in freshwater systems.

Taking a learning approach to community-based strategic environmental assessment: results from a Costa Rican case study

This paper describes an innovative approach to environmental assessment that built local capacity enabling a more sustainable management of natural resources. It presents learning outcomes from a community-based strategic environmental assessment (CBSEA) involving communities from two Costa Rican watersheds who assessed the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad's (ICE) proposed agro-conservation programme. Participants were engaged throughout the CBSEA process, from planning to the implementation of four highly interactive workshops representing steps in a strategic environmental assessment. Instrumental learning results included: learning about CBSEA and its role in programme planning; developing problem-solving skills related to assessing impacts and creating mitigation strategies; effective group-working strategies; and technical information. Communicative learning outcomes included becoming more self-aware, and appreciating environmental conservation and collaboration. ICE learnt a participatory methodology and reconsidered communities' role in programme planning. Findings contribute to understanding the process of adult learning in cross-cultural contexts and the link between individual learning and social action.

Aspectos hidrogeológicos en el sitio del embalse Cipreses, P.H. Cariblanco y aplicación de trazadores en agua subterránea

Se investigaron las condiciones hidrogeologicas en una zona ubicada en la falda noreste del cerroCongo, entre el poblado de Cariblanco y San Miguel de Sarapiqui. Se evaluo la influencia de la construcciondel embalse Cipreses del P.H. Cariblanco que pretende construir el Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, sobreel manantial San Miguel que abastece el acueducto del poblado homonimo aplicando trazadores artificiales.En el area de estudio existen al menos tres acuiferos, dos de ellos acuiferos libres y uno confinado en lavas frac-turadas. El acuifero libre superior esta formado por lavas fracturadas y da origen al manantial San Miguel. Estemanantial es producto de la descarga de agua subterranea debido a la culminacion del acuifero y a que esta li-mitado en la base por material menos permeable lo cual induce al agua a salir a la superficie.Por medio de varios ensayos de trazador y conociendo la disposicion estratigrafica y espacial del acuifero libre enlavas, se puede afirmar que la excavacion del embalse Cipreses no tendra influencia sobre el manantial San Miguel.

Lightning‐generated NOx seen by the Ozone Monitoring Instrument during NASA's Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling Experiment (TC4)

We present case studies identifying lightning‐generated upper tropospheric NOx (LNOx) observed during NASA's Tropical Composition, Cloud and Climate Coupling Experiment (TC4) in July and August 2007. In the campaign, DC‐8 aircraft missions, flown from Costa Rica, recorded in situ NO2 profiles near active storms and in relatively quiet areas. We combine these TC4 DC‐8 data with satellite data from the Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) to estimate the lightning‐generated NO2 (LNO2), above background levels, in the observed OMI NO2 fields. We employ improved off‐line processing techniques to customize the OMI retrieval for LNO2. Information on lightning flashes (primarily cloud‐to‐ground) observed by the Costa Rica Lightning Detection Network operated by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad and the World Wide Lightning Location Network were examined over storms upwind of regions where OMI indicates enhanced LNO2. These flash data are compared with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission/Lightning Imaging Sensor satellite data to estimate total flashes. Finally, using [NOx]/[NO2] ratios from NASA's Global Modeling Initiative model, we estimate LNOx production per flash for four cases and obtain rates of ∼100‐250 mol/flash. These are consistent with rates derived from previous studies of tropical and subtropical storms and below those from modeling of observed midlatitude storms. In our study, environments with stronger anvil‐level winds were associated with higher production rates. LIS flash footprint data for one of the low‐LNOx production cases with weak upper tropospheric winds suggest below‐average flash lengths for this storm. LNOx enhancements over background determined from the OMI data were in less than, but roughly proportional to, aircraft estimates.

Freire: vigente e inspirador en la alfabetización de personas adultas

Recibido 7 de marzo, 2008 • Aprobado 15 de mayo, 2008
 
 Este artículo presenta diversas experiencias en torno a la alfabetización de personas adultas, inspiradas en el pensamiento de Paulo Freire. La vigencia de los aportes de Freire son reconstruidos mediante un trabajo académico integrado, llevado a cabo en diferentes contextos, mediante la coordinación interinstitucional entre la Universidad Nacional y el Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad, con la participación de profesionales y estudiantes.

Community-based approaches to strategic environmental assessment: Lessons from Costa Rica

This paper describes a community-based approach to strategic environmental assessment (SEA) using a case study of the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad's (ICE) watershed management agricultural program (WMAP) in Costa Rica. The approach focused on four highly interactive workshops that used visioning, brainstorming and critical reflection exercises. Each workshop represented a critical step in the SEA process. Through this approach, communities in two rural watersheds assessed the environmental, social and economic impacts of a proposed second phase for WMAP. Lessons from this community-based approach to strategic environmental assessment include a recognition of participants learning what a participatory SEA is conceptually and methodologically; the role of interactive techniques for identifying positive and negative impacts of the proposed program and generating creative mitigation strategies; the effect of workshops in reducing power differentials among program participants (proponent, communities, government agencies); and, the logistical importance of notice, timing and location for meaningful participation. The community-based approach to SEA offers considerable potential for assessing regional (watershed) development programs focused on sustainable resource-based livelihoods.

Learning Through Participatory Resource Management Programs: Case Studies From Costa Rica

Based on an ongoing qualitative case study in Costa Rica, this article presents the participatory work that the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE) is doing with farmers to protect watersheds from erosion and contamination. Specifically, it includes a description of ICE's Watershed Management Agricultural Programme and how farmers participate in it and a qualitative analysis of the kind of learning that participants are experiencing. ICE uses collaborative and hands-on activities to raise awareness and promote alternative environmentally sustainable farming practices and technologies. These activities result in instrumental and communicative learning as found in transformative learning theory. The instrumental learning that occurs includes acquiring skills and information, determining cause–effect relationships, and task-oriented problem solving. The communicative learning that occurs includes understanding values, concepts, and others' points of view. In conclusion, the learning that occurred resulted in transformations in the conditions of life that promoted sustainability.