El Salvador has taken a significant step toward diversifying its energy matrix with the official launch of the first Site Design and External Events (SEED) Mission, carried out in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This effort, led by the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program (OIPEN), marks a crucial milestone in the country’s strategic move to introduce nuclear energy as a sustainable and secure power source.
A team of IAEA experts and technical specialists is currently conducting a comprehensive site evaluation process, applying internationally recognized parameters of nuclear safety and environmental protection. As of now, two candidate sites—located in San Vicente and Chalatenango—have been identified as meeting the necessary safety and technical feasibility criteria for hosting a future nuclear facility.
“This is one of the most important steps in our nuclear program,” said Daniel Álvarez, honorary director of OIPEN. “We have the direct support of the IAEA, whose representatives have rigorously reviewed the proposed sites and guided us according to the highest global safety standards.”
The SEED Mission’s technical review is complemented by the OLEA Sites Mission, which evaluates the scientific, environmental, and social aspects of site selection. This dual-track analysis ensures that El Salvador’s selection process is not only thorough but also aligned with international best practices.
The government’s collaboration with the IAEA reinforces El Salvador’s commitment to the responsible, safe, and transparent development of nuclear energy. The initiative also aims to strengthen national technical capabilities, enhance institutional trust, and create long-term opportunities for energy security and sustainability.
As El Salvador continues to progress toward implementing nuclear energy, the project stands as a testament to the nation’s strategic vision for energy independence and its dedication to future generations’ well-being.