El Salvador considering nuclear energy to complement renewables
An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts has found that El Salvador has made notable progress in establishing the framework needed to support an informed decision on the introduction of nuclear power.
The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission was carried out from 11 to 18 May at the invitation of the government of El Salvador to review its development of infrastructure for a nuclear power programme. It marks the first INIR mission conducted in Central America.
The IAEA said El Salvador is considering nuclear energy as a complement to its diversified energy mix, where 69% of electricity generation already comes from renewable sources.
With electricity demand projected to grow steadily and potentially double by 2050, nuclear power has been identified as a strategic option to provide firm, low-carbon and climate-resilient generation.
El Salvador’s long-term energy planning envisions nuclear energy contributing around 15% of electricity generation by 2050, potentially through the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).
The INIR mission reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 1 criteria from the IAEA’s “Milestones Approach”, which provides detailed guidance across three phases of development – “consider, prepare, construct”.
The end of Phase 1 marks the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme.
