POWERCHINA Advances 30MW La Trinidad Solar Project in El Salvador
POWERCHINA has secured the contract to construct the 30MW La Trinidad solar project in El Salvador. This development is a key part of the broader 70MW San Miguel solar initiative. The project will use over 62,000 Longi solar modules and is projected to generate 188,000 MWh of energy annually, supplying electricity to more than 50,000 households once complete.
Contract Details and Project Scope
The new contract covers the construction of the 30MW solar facility, marking the first phase of the larger 70MW initiative. To enhance efficiency, the La Trinidad plant will use single-axis trackers to follow the sun’s movement throughout the day. The facility is expected to generate 188,000 MWh annually, providing power to more than 50,000 households once operational.
Investment and Future Impact
The La Trinidad solar project represents a substantial $45 million investment in El Salvador’s energy landscape. This funding will support the construction of the solar plant, propelling the country toward a more sustainable energy future.
The project is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy and environment. By supplying clean energy to thousands of households, the La Trinidad solar plant will decrease reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This pivot to renewable energy aligns with El Salvador’s goals to boost energy security and lower energy costs for its consumers.
Expansion Plans for the San Miguel Solar Initiative
The 30MW La Trinidad project is just the beginning of a more extensive solar initiative in San Miguel. The second phase involves constructing an additional 40MW solar plant, bringing the San Miguel solar initiative’s total capacity to 70MW.
This initiative stems from a successful tender process in 2020, when the ComisiĂłn Ejecutiva HidroelĂ©ctrica del RĂo Lempa (CEL) awarded contracts to develop 131MW of solar capacity across the country. This tender has spurred considerable growth in El Salvador’s renewable energy sector, with the San Miguel initiative emerging as one of the largest projects to come from the process.
Progress in El Salvador’s Solar Energy Sector
El Salvador has made remarkable progress in expanding its solar energy capacity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country’s installed capacity for solar panels in El Salvador reached 563MW by the end of 2023—a significant leap from just 21MW in 2017.
This expansion is part of a broader strategy to diversify the nation’s energy mix and lessen its dependence on imported fuels. By investing in solar and other renewable energy sources, El Salvador is moving toward greater energy independence while also addressing environmental concerns.
POWERCHINA’s involvement in the La Trinidad project highlights its expertise in renewable energy development. With a proven track record constructing large-scale solar and wind projects globally, POWERCHINA is well-equipped to ensure the successful completion of the San Miguel solar initiative.
The La Trinidad solar project is a pivotal milestone in El Salvador’s journey toward a sustainable energy future. With the backing of international partners like POWERCHINA, El Salvador is poised to continue expanding its renewable energy capacity and reducing its carbon footprint.
