The solar project at El Salvador’s 15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Plant is now 50% complete, marking a significant milestone for the country’s renewable energy initiatives. The new photovoltaic park, which is being developed on previously unused land at the hydroelectric facility, will generate an additional 19.2 megawatts (MW) of energy once finished, according to Daniel Álvarez, the Director General of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines (DGEHM).
During his presentation at the Regional Symposium 2025: Development Perspectives of the Central American Electric System held this week by the Regional Operating Entity (EOR), Álvarez shared updates on the project and emphasized its importance for the nation’s energy future. «Right now we already have 50% progress on the project, and by the end of this year, we will have an additional 19.2 MW at the hydroelectric plant. This project is fully state-owned, and not a private initiative,» Álvarez stated.
The solar facility is being constructed on idle land within the hydroelectric plant grounds, utilizing existing infrastructure to minimize additional investment. As the site already has all necessary scaffolding and transmission lines in place, the only additional work needed will involve updating substations and adding a few new bays. This strategic approach maximizes land use and efficiency while minimizing environmental disruption.
Álvarez also highlighted the environmental benefits of the project, noting that the addition of solar panels will help reduce evaporation at the reservoirs, further optimizing the existing infrastructure. «We are using unused land at hydroelectric plants to build solar generation projects,» he said.
In addition to this solar initiative, Álvarez announced plans to install floating solar panels on several reservoirs in the country, including those at Cerrón Grande, 3 de febrero, 5 de noviembre, and Guajoyo. These panels will be placed in areas that do not interfere with tourism, fishing, or other activities. The floating systems aim to further boost solar generation by making use of the existing water bodies.
The solar projects are part of El Salvador’s broader push toward energy sovereignty and independence, reducing reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Álvarez emphasized that the government is working on several renewable energy initiatives to meet the growing national demand, which is expected to rise year after year.
The country’s renewable energy capacity is already showing impressive results. Currently, photovoltaic energy accounts for 8.3% of the wholesale market generation in El Salvador. Álvarez also noted the potential of solar power, but emphasized the importance of developing solutions for energy storage, such as lithium batteries, to ensure stable generation and prevent risks to other investments in the energy sector.
The government is also expanding distributed generation, which allows for solar energy to be directly fed into the distribution network. El Salvador has already installed 431 MW of distributed generation, which accounts for 15% of the energy supply outside the wholesale market.
These efforts reflect the nation’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources and transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable forms of power. The 15 de Septiembre solar project, along with other ongoing initiatives, is expected to play a key role in securing El Salvador’s energy future.