The Government of El Salvador, under President Nayib Bukele, has been actively training local professionals in nuclear energy with the support of allied countries and international organizations. Over the past year and a half, more than 50 Salvadoran professionals have undergone specialized training, facilitated by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and nations such as Argentina, Korea, Spain, and the United States.
The head of the General Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines (DGEHM), Daniel Álvarez, emphasized in a recent interview that the training covers not only technical aspects of energy generation but also legal and regulatory compliance. As a result, professionals from various fields, including law, are participating in these educational programs. Notably, a Salvadoran scholar at the prestigious Balseiro Institute in Argentina is set to graduate as a nuclear engineer.
“We are making a great effort to develop local talent and expertise. Since initiating this training with the IAEA and our allied nations, we have seen significant progress. Today, we have lawyers trained in the United States and engineers studying in Argentina, alongside IAEA-led courses held in El Salvador,” Álvarez stated.
El Salvador’s Nuclear Energy Vision
Álvarez highlighted that the government aims to have its first nuclear power plant operational within seven years, ensuring that local professionals are adequately trained to manage the technology. “We are preparing technically and legally in all necessary areas. International organizations support our efforts, recognizing that we are following the correct procedures,” he added.
Recognition from International Organizations
The IAEA has acknowledged El Salvador’s commitment to nuclear energy, maintaining ongoing discussions with the government. “We are the first country in Central America to take this step. In Latin America, only Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico have established nuclear programs, and now El Salvador joins that list,” Álvarez noted.
In May, an IAEA mission is set to visit El Salvador to assess potential sites for a nuclear power plant. “This is a pace that other countries have taken a decade to achieve, yet we are moving forward efficiently,” he remarked.
Additionally, El Salvador recently strengthened its nuclear energy cooperation with the United States through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation (NCMOU). This agreement, signed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco, aims to advance peaceful nuclear collaboration between both nations.
The Salvadoran government continues to push forward in its pursuit of nuclear energy, positioning the country as a regional leader in adopting advanced energy solutions.