El Salvador is reinforcing its electricity system through a diversified energy mix, expanded generation capacity, and a long-term transmission investment plan designed to ensure reliable power supply amid drought and the potential effects of climate change.

Edwin Núñez, president of the El Salvador Transmission Company (ETESAL), said the country is not at risk of electricity rationing, pointing to the expansion and diversification of its energy infrastructure under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.

El Salvador currently has 3,138 megawatts of installed electricity capacity, with 63% coming from renewable sources, providing sufficient capacity to respond to contingencies and periods of increased demand. Recent additions include the natural gas-fired Energía del Pacífico plant and the Ventus wind farm, contributing more than 750 megawatts of new installed capacity during the current administration.

The country’s highest electricity demand this year reached 1,297 megawatts in July, during a period of extreme heat. Despite the pressure generated by higher consumption and drought conditions, ETESAL maintains that El Salvador’s diversified energy portfolio provides a strong foundation for maintaining nationwide electricity service.

Energy stability is also supporting El Salvador’s growing investment activity. Núñez highlighted projects such as Ocean Breeze, which announced an investment exceeding $100 million in the Mizata area, noting that the expanded capacity at the Surf City substation is helping provide the infrastructure required for new developments and businesses.

Meanwhile, ETESAL is advancing the modernization of the national transmission network. Among the upcoming initiatives is the installation of Smart Valve technology, an advanced system designed to improve control over electricity flows and increase the efficiency of existing transmission lines.

Looking ahead, El Salvador plans to implement a National Expansion Plan representing approximately $1 billion in investment over the next decade. The program will include new substations in strategic areas such as San Miguel, Santa Ana, the San Salvador Metropolitan Area, Ozatlán, Soyapango, Acajutla, and Pasaquina, alongside a National Energy Storage Plan.

Together, these investments are intended to strengthen El Salvador’s energy resilience, support private-sector growth, and ensure that the country’s electricity infrastructure remains prepared for rising demand and future climate-related challenges.