Consulting for the strengthening of the methodology for planning the expansion of the Costa Rican electricity system considering a high participation of variable renewable generation

Description

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) invites specialized consulting firms to submit their proposals to strengthen the methodology used by the Costa Rican Institute of Electricity (ICE) in the planning of the expansion of generation and transmission systems in the medium and long term.

The general objective is to adapt the planning of the national electricity system in the face of a high penetration of variable renewable generation (GRV) and increases in demand due to electrification of transport and industry, guaranteeing economic efficiency, reliability, operational safety and climate resilience.

1. Objectives and general scope
Comprehensive diagnosis: Evaluate the current methodology of the ICE, its data sources, computational tools, premises and technical constraints to identify gaps in the massive integration of variable renewable sources.

Strengthened methodology: Design a methodological proposal based on international best practices and advanced analytical tools for integrated generation and transmission planning.

Validation through modeling: Apply the new methodology in a long-term expansion study comparing three prospective scenarios.

Institutional Adoption: Develop a progressive implementation plan and execute a knowledge transfer program for specialized ICE staff.

2. Main tasks of consulting
Task 1 — Methodological strengthening:

Review at least three international experiences in comparable electrical systems.

Define advanced technical criteria: proficiency indicators (LOLP, LOLE, EENS, ELCC), stability (RoCoF, synthetic inertia, reactive power margins), ancillary services and localized marginal costs (LMP).

Incorporate inverter-based resource modelling (grid-following and grid-forming), energy storage (under schemes such as IRENA's) and advanced transmission technologies (FACTS, dynamic line capacity).

Evaluate and recommend optimization software tools (Capacity Expansion Modeling, Production Cost Modeling, AC power flows, etc.).

Task 2 — Application to expansion scenarios:

Model and compare three long-term scenarios: (i) Base scenario with the current methodology; (ii) Scenario with the strengthened methodology for generation expansion; (iii) Integrated generation-transmission scenario coordinated with storage, flexibility and security.

Task 3 — Accompaniment and knowledge transfer:

Design and deliver a technical training program of at least 40 effective hours for the ICE team.

Provide technical support in simulations, monitor methodological adoption and structure the roadmap for its institutional application.

3. Expected deliverables
Output 1 — Work plan: Detailed timeline, milestones, methodologies and coordination strategy with ICE.

Output 2 — Diagnostic report: Review of international practices, evaluation of the current ICE methodology, analysis of software tools and definition of technical gaps.

Output 3 — Proposal for strengthened methodology: Comprehensive methodological document for generation and transmission planning, including technical, operational and modeling criteria.

Output 4 — Expansion Scenarios Report: Results of the modeling of the three projected scenarios, incorporating demands for industrial and transportation electrification.

Output 5 — Comparative Report and Strategic Recommendations: Quantitative analysis of the added value of the new methodology, differences in investment decisions and planning recommendations.

Output 6 — Knowledge transfer program and implementation plan: Teaching materials, execution of the 40-hour training, follow-up sessions and institutional adoption plan.

Output 7 — Consolidated final report: Complete report of the consultancy with a maximum executive management summary of 20 pages.

Note: Interested companies should review the requirements on the BEO Bidder Portal.