- El Salvador and Argentina signed a memorandum to develop El Salvador’s nuclear energy program, focusing on technical exchange and training.
- President Nayib Bukele aims to diversify the country’s energy mix, reduce import reliance, and promote sustainable development.
- Argentina’s expertise in nuclear energy, with its decades of experience, will support El Salvador’s plans for peaceful applications in energy, agriculture, and health
El Salvador has taken a decisive step toward diversifying its energy mix by signing an agreement with Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA). This memorandum of understanding advances El Salvador’s goal of reducing its dependence on external energy sources.
CNEA President Germán Guido Lavalle and Daniel Alejandro Álvarez, Director of El Salvador’s Agency for Implementing the Nuclear Energy Program (OIPEN), signed the agreement. The partnership focuses on exchanging technical expertise, facilitating scientific visits, and training Salvadoran professionals.
Lavalle described the deal as “a major step in developing nuclear energy for El Salvador.” He emphasised Argentina’s commitment to providing expertise and educational support to help El Salvador build local capabilities in nuclear technology.
President Nayib Bukele recently outlined his vision to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy system. Bukele’s administration seeks to reduce reliance on energy imports while promoting sustainable development and securing a stable energy supply.
During the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Álvarez highlighted El Salvador’s determination to diversify its energy matrix. He reiterated the country’s aim “to reduce reliance on external resources while ensuring affordable and sustainable energy in line with international standards.”
Argentina, a leader in nuclear energy since 1974, operates three reactors and continues building a small modular reactor. The country’s expertise, particularly in its RA-10 research reactor project, is pivotal in assisting El Salvador’s nuclear ambitions.
Through the agreement, Argentina will provide Salvadoran engineers with access to its research facilities and training programs. This collaboration strengthens bilateral ties and accelerates El Salvador’s nuclear energy journey.
El Salvador aims to apply nuclear technology beyond power generation. The country plans to use it for peaceful purposes in agriculture, healthcare, and environmental management. These applications would boost economic development and address critical challenges such as food security and medical advancements.
By working with Argentina, El Salvador seeks to cultivate a skilled workforce capable of supporting a sustainable nuclear program. The partnership will help the country build local expertise and innovate within its energy sector.
Argentina’s extensive nuclear experience enables it to offer valuable technical support to El Salvador. The collaboration facilitates the exchange of knowledge essential for safely and efficiently developing atomic energy.
This agreement reflects the growing trend of regional cooperation in energy and technology across Latin America. El Salvador aims to establish itself as a critical player in the Latin American energy sector while securing reliable and sustainable power for its citizens.
El Salvador advances its nuclear energy goals through this strategic partnership with Argentina and positions itself for future scientific and economic growth.