El Salvador playing a lead role for geothermal in Central America
Berlin geothermal power plant, El Salvador (source: americanpost.news/)
Carlo Cariaga
16 Oct 2024
With 21% of its net electricity supply coming from geothermal, El Salvador demonstrates how geothermal can boost economic development and regional cooperation.
The International Geothermal Association (IGA ) has published a special article highlighting El Salvador’s track record in the geothermal industry, underlining its relevance in the regional energy context. El Salvador, as a member of the Central American Integration System (SICA) , has consolidated a solid technical community in the geothermal sector, which has allowed it to position itself as a key player in the generation of renewable energy.
This year, El Salvador will host the main geothermal conference in Latin America and the Caribbean, GEOLAC 2024, reinforcing its leading role in the expansion of geothermal energy in the region.
Currently, 21% of the net electricity supply in the country comes from geothermal energy, a figure that reflects the importance of this resource in the national energy matrix. The country operates two geothermal plants, with an installed capacity of 204 megawatts of electricity (MWe), extracted from 33 production wells. All these facilities are managed by LaGeo , a state-owned company committed to sustainable development and corporate responsibility.
El Salvador is strategically positioned within the Central American region, sharing borders with Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. This privileged location allows it to actively participate in the trade and expansion of the Central American Electrical Interconnection System (SIEPAC), which opens up new opportunities for the growth of geothermal energy in the region.
LaGeo also stands out for its focus on sustainability and commitment to local communities. Among its initiatives, an innovative project that uses geothermal heat to dry coffee stands out, promoting energy efficiency and the empowerment of women in rural areas.
The IGA article highlights El Salvador as an example of how geothermal energy can be effectively used to boost economic development, promote sustainability and strengthen regional cooperation in renewable energy.
Source: Email correspondence via our Spanish language platform, PiensaGeotermia
