President Nayib Bukele has declared El Salvador a leader in renewable energy, boasting an impressive 91% of its energy generation derived from renewable sources, according to Stats Feed. “This percentage will increase as we build our new geothermal plants. However, it will decrease in seven years when we complete our first nuclear power plant,” Bukele explained.
In a significant step toward diversifying the country’s energy sources, the Commission on Technology, Tourism, and Investment recently issued a favorable opinion for the Law for the Creation of the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program in El Salvador. This legislation aims to establish the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program in El Salvador (OIPEN), which will operate under the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL).
OIPEN will be tasked with formulating, directing, and executing national plans and policies related to nuclear energy, focusing on electricity and heat generation, optimizing industrial processes, and utilizing nuclear byproducts for medical and agricultural purposes.
This initiative is poised to enhance El Salvador’s energy sovereignty and align the country with international standards. Daniel Álvarez, president of CEL, emphasized that OIPEN will function as an autonomous entity responsible for directing its operations and appointing the necessary technical and administrative staff.
As El Salvador progresses toward a more diverse energy portfolio, the government aims to balance its renewable resources with emerging technologies, setting a precedent for energy innovation in the region.