Towards sustainable energy, El Salvador is set to embrace a future dominated by renewable projects, contributing to the region’s ambitious target of 95% renewable energy by 2024. According to the Latin American Energy Organization (Olade), this surge in green energy initiatives will revolutionize the energy landscape of the country.
Andrés Rebolledo, the Executive Secretary of Olade, recently affirmed, «Ninety-five percent of the electrical generation projects set to go into production and operation in 2024 will be renewable. This includes parks in various stages, from implementation to those with environmental permits.»
Statistics from Olade indicate a notable 12% increase in renewable energy generation in 2023, constituting 65% of the total electric generation in Latin America. Solar power led the charge with a remarkable 46% growth, closely followed by a 10% increase in wind energy.
Rebolledo anticipates a continued upward trajectory for renewables, stating, «We expect that 65% to increase, driven by the region’s structural potential and substantial capacity for growth. The current surge in investment projects is largely centered around renewable energies.»
El Salvador stands at the forefront of this green revolution, with 80% of its energy matrix already being generated from renewable sources. Daniel Álvarez, President of the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL), highlighted the nation’s commitment to furthering its green agenda in 2024.
The upcoming projects in El Salvador include the construction of a Biogas Power Generation Plant on the Acelhuate River in San Salvador, the commissioning of a photovoltaic plant at the 15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Plant, and the establishment of a wind park in Metapán, Santa Ana.
«We are gearing up for the solar park at the 15 de septiembre station, set to commence early in the year, generating approximately 20 additional megawatts of photovoltaic energy,» said Álvarez. This project aligns with El Salvador’s goal to expand its photovoltaic capacity.
Additionally, El Salvador is actively pursuing geothermal projects and conducting feasibility studies for tidal power generation. Plans are also underway for the construction of a marine wind park along the country’s coastlines.
As the nation continues its strides towards a sustainable energy future, the commitment to these renewable projects reinforces El Salvador’s position as a key player in the global shift towards a greener and more environmentally conscious energy sector.