Costa Rica, long recognized for its environmental leadership, is now advancing toward cleaner, more resilient transport. Through a joint programme supported by the Joint SDG Fund and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the country is developing a National Biomethane Strategy to replace diesel in heavy-duty trucks with locally produced biomethane—cutting emissions, lowering fuel costs, and strengthening energy independence. For transport workers, it’s more than a climate solution—it’s a pathway to economic resilience.
"In recent years, we have witnessed significant transformations and progress. The fund is specifically designed to support projects and programs that facilitate these transitions. We are delighted to be discussing energy transition today. Our primary goal is to promote the SDGs and help the United Nations work more effectively," stated Allegra Baiocchi, UN Resident Coordinator in Costa Rica.
Turning Waste into Clean Fuel
Traditionally, agricultural waste, food scraps, and sewage have been considered environmental challenges. But with the right investment in biomethane technology, this organic waste could be converted into a powerful transportation fuel. Large-scale biodigesters would capture methane from waste and refine it into a clean-burning substitute for diesel, significantly cutting Costa Rica’s carbon footprint.
"Costa Rica’s agricultural sector accounts for approximately 27% of greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from the waste of export products such as coffee, bananas, pineapples, and sugarcane. A key solution is to harness this waste to produce biogas and biomethane, which would not only reduce emissions but also help tackle the diesel dependency in our energy matrix. This is the beauty of this project: addressing two major challenges with a single solution," said Vice President of Costa Rica Stephan Brunner.
Truck drivers worry about rising diesel costs. If biomethane were widely available, their fuel expenses could drop, and their trucks would produce fewer emissions.
"Well, I don’t know much about the technical stuff” said José Ángel Jiménez “but if that biomethane makes the truck run just like diesel and doesn’t mess up the engine, I think it’s fine. What we want is for the truck to run smooth, be reliable, and if it’s also cheaper than diesel, even better. Filling up the tank is expensive right now. If biomethane saves money and pollutes less, then everyone wins. But yeah, there would need to be enough stations to fill up, otherwise it’d be a hassle trying to find where to get it."
A Just Energy Transition for Transport Workers
A National Biomethane Strategy wouldn’t just mean cleaner fuel—it would have to ensure fairness. Truck drivers, logistics companies, and transport workers have long relied on diesel, and a sudden shift could leave many behind. But with the right policies, including training programs, incentives, and partnerships with trucking companies, a smooth transition could be achieved.
For a fleet manager at a major logistics company, the benefits of biomethane could be game-changing. If his company retrofitted its fleet with biomethane engines, it could reduce fuel costs and ensure compliance with future emissions regulations.
Empowering Women in the Transport Sector
A shift to biomethane could also open doors for women in a traditionally male-dominated sector. With government-supported training programs, more female mechanics and engineers could specialize in biomethane-powered trucks.
A mechanical engineer hopes to see more women leading the charge in this transition. If biomethane-powered transport becomes widespread, she could train young women in vocational schools, ensuring they have the skills to work in the growing clean-energy transport sector.
“Women have a huge role to play in this transition,” PhD. Cindy Torres, from the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Costa Rica, says. “We’re proving that sustainable transport isn’t just for the future—it’s something we can build now.”
Economic and Environmental Benefits
On a national level, replacing diesel with biomethane in transport trucks could bring profound benefits. Heavy-duty vehicles account for a significant portion of Costa Rica’s emissions, and biomethane offers an immediate solution to reduce air pollution and dependency on imported fossil fuels.
If industries embrace biomethane for transport, major companies could switch their delivery fleets to biomethane-powered trucks, and public buses in San José could run on biomethane, improving air quality for urban residents.
The Road Ahead
A National Biomethane Strategy is not yet a reality, but the opportunity is there. When implemented, more truck drivers could benefit from lower fuel costs, more workers could secure jobs in sustainable logistics, and more women could lead the way in the clean transport revolution. With careful planning and commitment to a just transition, Costa Rica could ensure that no one is left behind.
"Biogas has key potential for industrial policies, where the energy transition plays a fundamental role. For UNIDO, this transition is essential to developing modern industrial policies. It is crucial to invest in this transformation, as industries with high carbon footprints will lose competitiveness in the future," emphasized Johannes Dobinger, UNIDO Representative for Mexico and Central America.
By turning waste into fuel, empowering transport workers, and prioritizing energy independence, Costa Rica has the potential to prove that sustainability is not just about the environment—it’s about people. The biomethane revolution could be within reach, driving the country toward a cleaner, fairer, and more prosperous future for all.
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
