Small solar monitoring power generation system in El Salvador

What is El Salvador doing to improve energy security?

El Salvador has prioritised renewable energy projects to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and improve energy security. By 2019, renewables, including hydropower, biomass, solar photovoltaic (PV), and geothermal power, had reached 64.3% of the country’s total installed capacity of 2.2 gigawatts (GW).

Can solar power contribute to El Salvador's energy mix?

Since 2015, solar PV capacity alone has grown nearly tenfold, reaching 273 megawatts (MW) in 2019. The potential for renewable energy to contribute to El Salvador’s energy mix is much greater.

What is El Salvador's first state-owned solar power project?

Salvadorean state-owned hydro power producer Comision Ejecutiva Hidroelectrica del Rio Lempa (CEL) this week launched construction of a 17-MWp solar PV farm in the south-west part of El Salvador. The project has the distinction of being El Salvador’s first state-owned solar power initiative -- from the design and planning to execution, CEL said.

What is El Salvador's new national energy policy 2020-2050?

El Salvador’s new National Energy Policy 2020-2050 and the ongoing efforts towards the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) revision are creating an opportunity for the Salvadorian energy sector to position renewable energy as key means to enhance the global climate agenda.

How does USAID support El Salvador?

In total, USAID support in El Salvador has led to US$720 million in clean energy investments, including 320.7 MW of solar and 40 MW of wind power. In addition to supporting renewable energy development, USAID has assisted with an energy efficient street lighting program in the Salvadorian municipality of Zacatecoluca.

What is El Salvador aiming for?

El Salvador aims to promote the wide production of electricity from renewables by 2030 and reduce its increasing dependence on imported fossil fuels, which accounted for 69% of its total energy supply in 2019.