The Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL) reported that on Thursday, September 8, 2022, scheduled hydroelectric generation set a new record, reaching a dispatch of 99.3% of the total generation capacity of the autonomous community.
The positive result, according to the institution, is due to the fact that all the generation machines of the four hydroelectric plants: Guajoyo, Cerrón Grande, 5 de Noviembre and 15 de Septiembre, work at their maximum capacity, as never before.
CEL indicated that, with the production obtained, which represents 60% of the energy consumed nationally, it can benefit more than 2 million users, including homes, businesses, and industries. This is thanks to hydroelectric energy.
Likewise, the institution reported that the favorable situation for Salvadorans has also allowed the generation of renewable energy to increase, since by combining hydroelectric, geothermal, solar, and wind generation, the country registers about 90% of generation based on renewables, a milestone that occurs for the first time in the history of El Salvador.
“The specific factors for having these positive results are mainly due to the timely maintenance, both preventive and corrective, that CEL has carried out on all generation equipment and the proper use of water resources,” the institution explained in a statement.
By increasing power generation and having a surplus of hydroelectric energy, it will be exported to the Regional Electricity Market (MER), mainly to the countries of Nicaragua and Honduras. A strategy for reducing the amount of water discharged from dams.
Through CEL, the government of President Nayib Bukele reiterates its commitment to promote renewable energy in El Salvador, creating the conditions for Salvadorans to have lower and more stable rates, despite economic inflation on a global scale.