El Salvador’s Ambitious Leap into Renewable Energy: Solar and Wind Power Projects to Transform the Nation’s Energy Landscape
El Salvador is making significant strides to expand its renewable energy capacity, with new solar and wind projects slated to come online by 2025. At the forefront of this effort is AES El Salvador, which is overseeing the full operation of its BĂłsforo solar project and the upcoming Capella Solar project. Combined, these initiatives will add 140 MW of solar energy to the national grid.
El Salvador renewable energy projects: BĂłsforo and Capella Solar initiatives
The Bósforo solar project, a key initiative from AES El Salvador, is already operating at full capacity with 10 solar plants strategically located across the country. It will soon be joined by the Capella Solar project, scheduled for completion in 2025. Capella Solar will further boost the nation’s solar energy production by contributing another 140 MW to the grid.
A standout feature of the Capella project is its integration of a 30 MW/60 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), which will optimize power dispatch during peak demand hours and enhance the reliability and efficiency of the energy supply.
EDP Renováveis drives El Salvador renewable energy with solar and wind projects
Furthering this momentum is EDP Renováveis (EDPR), a global leader in renewable energy. The company is developing two key projects in El Salvador: the 150 MW La Paz Solar Park and the 50 MW Santa Ana Wind Farm.
The La Paz Solar Park is expected to be operational by 2025, with the Santa Ana Wind Farm following in 2026. The wind farm will feature 11 state-of-the-art wind turbines, providing clean energy and further diversifying the country’s renewable energy portfolio. Learn more about EDP Renováveis’ projects.
How El Salvador renewable energy is reshaping the national energy mix
The introduction of these projects marks a transformative shift in El Salvador’s energy mix, which has traditionally been dominated by fossil fuels and hydroelectric power. Currently, fossil fuels account for 40% of the country’s energy production, with hydroelectric power contributing another 30%. The remaining 30% is sourced from geothermal energy, biomass, and solar power.
This influx of new solar and wind power will dramatically increase the share of renewables in El Salvador’s energy mix. The shift will reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels and significantly lower its greenhouse gas emissions. According to a report by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), El Salvador’s solar capacity is projected to reach 500 MW by 2030, with wind energy capacity expected to hit 200 MW in the same timeframe.
Environmental and economic impacts of El Salvador renewable energy expansion
El Salvador’s expansion into renewable energy offers numerous environmental and economic benefits. By reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, the country will substantially decrease its greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change. In addition, the development of solar and wind projects will create job opportunities in construction, maintenance, and operation, stimulating the local economy.
Furthermore, the integration of battery energy storage systems (BESS), as seen in projects like Capella Solar, will enhance the stability and reliability of the national grid. Such systems enable better management of power dispatch during peak demand hours, ensuring a consistent supply of electricity.
Future prospects for El Salvador renewable energy development
The successful implementation of these projects sets a positive precedent for future investment in El Salvador’s energy sector. The government’s commitment to diversifying the energy mix and reducing greenhouse gas emissions aligns with global trends toward sustainable development.
With ongoing investment in renewable energy infrastructure, El Salvador is well-positioned to achieve its energy transition goals and contribute significantly to broader regional efforts to combat climate change. For more insights into the growing renewable energy sector in Central America, consider this analysis on solar energy growth.
