Fifty professionals from El Salvador and Panama received their diplomas on Monday, officially recognizing them as specialists in the technical and financial formulation of energy projects across productive sectors in both countries. This milestone marks a significant step towards enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability in the region.
«Panama and El Salvador have participated in this program with the first 50 professionals completing the process, but over 300 more will be certified,» said Daniel Álvarez, Head of the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines. He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the country’s vision of making optimal use of energy resources to ensure supply for both the population and industry, contributing to economic development.
Álvarez highlighted the dynamic nature of the energy sector, noting, «In the last five years, we have faced numerous challenges that remind us of the reality of climate change and the need for increased efficiency. This program teaches professionals how to achieve this technically.»
He also pointed out that the government has been proactive in developing initiatives related to energy protection, which have enabled the country to avoid the recent climate crisis that affected the rest of Central America and other nations in the region. «The Government of President Nayib Bukele anticipated this crisis. We strategically utilized hydroelectric, geothermal, and bunker energy sources to avoid the problems faced by the region,» Álvarez added.
This training program, the first of its kind at a regional level, was made possible through the collaboration of binational energy authorities, with support from Euroclima, a European Union initiative. The program received €400,000 in funding through the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) and the French Development Agency (AFD).
François Roudié, the European Union Ambassador to El Salvador, underscored the importance of energy efficiency for national development, stating, «Energy efficiency is economic security, national security, and part of the fight against climate change. It is one of the EU’s fundamental priorities.»
Additionally, the project has led to the development of an electronic platform for registering certified professionals and energy service companies in Panama and El Salvador. Interested parties can access the platform at https://registropee.dgehm.gob.sv.