In 2024, El Salvador's electricity landscape is characterized by a strong lean towards low-carbon energy sources, which account for more than half of the total electricity consumption, at approximately 68%. Among these, hydropower leads the pack, supplying around a quarter of the nation's electricity. Geothermal and solar energy also play significant roles, contributing nearly 18% and 15% respectively. Biofuels and wind energy provide smaller shares, with their contributions rounding out the low-carbon portfolio. On the other hand, fossil energy sources make up about 32% of the electricity mix, with gas occupying a dominant position within this category. This illustrates a positive orientation towards sustainable and greener energy options, positioning El Salvador as a committed player in the transition to low-carbon electricity.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in El Salvador?
Electricity consumption in El Salvador is experiencing growth, as evidenced by the rise in per capita consumption from 1289 kWh in 2023 to 1315 kWh in 2024. This upward trend is mirrored in the low-carbon segment, which increased from a past record of 878 kWh per capita in 2021 to 891 kWh in 2024. Although the overall increase in electricity consumption from these clean sources is modest, it represents a positive step in the right direction for reducing reliance on fossil fuels and enhancing energy sustainability. This incremental growth highlights an increasing acknowledgement of the benefits associated with low-carbon electricity, setting the stage for future advancements.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity generation, El Salvador could prioritize the expansion of solar energy, given its already substantial contribution. Drawing inspiration from successful regions worldwide, the country might look to Nevada and California, where solar energy constitutes a significant share, at 33% and 29% respectively. These countries provide valuable insights into scaling solar infrastructure effectively. Additionally, integrating nuclear energy into the grid can provide a consistent and reliable source of low-carbon electricity. Countries like France and Slovakia have extensively harnessed nuclear power, achieving remarkable shares of 70% and 66% in their electricity mixes. By adopting strategies supporting both solar and nuclear energy, El Salvador can further secure its power supply while progressing towards a cleaner and greener energy future.
History
Looking back at El Salvador's history of low-carbon electricity, hydropower has seen periodic fluctuations since the late 20th century. During the early 1980s and into the 1990s, there was a mix of increases and declines, reflecting the challenges and opportunities within this sector. Notably, hydropower faced significant setbacks in years like 1997 and 2009, with decreased outputs. However, it later rebounded with positive increments in recent years, including a notable boost in 2024. Solar energy is a newer addition, introduced with a promising debut in 2020, and continuing to grow since then. Although biofuels saw a slight decline in 2022, the overall narrative is one of perseverance and gradual advancement in the realm of low-carbon electricity, setting a foundation for El Salvador to build upon as it seeks to expand its clean energy portfolio.
