El Salvador plans expansion of geothermal power generation

El Salvador plans to expand from 204 MW of installed geothermal power generation capacity to 300 MW in the coming years, thanks to an ambitious government project for clean energy, as reported by president of the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL), Daniel Álvarez.

According to the head of the autonomous, the plan contemplates expanding by 95 MW with a view to building new plants in Chinameca, San Vicente and Volcán de Conchagua.

CEL data indicate that geothermal energy contributed in 2021 between 22% and 25% of the total generation in the country, which together with hydroelectric power reaches 50%.

“We don’t have a large amount of resources, but the ones we do have are very valuable, we have great potential in geothermal energy, which is clean energy 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has many economic and social benefits,” the official said. .

The CEL spokesman added that the expansion plan, which “will benefit the pockets of all Salvadorans”, because clean energy production is more efficient and cheaper than those that depend on hydrocarbons.

Thanks to this commitment, he added that, thanks to the work carried out by the country in the field of geothermal energy, this will be the venue for the 2022 Geothermal Ministerial Meeting, promoted by the World Geothermal Alliance, we reported. In this meeting, the best proposals, technological advances, cooperation and issues related to the generation of geothermal energy will be discussed, Álvarez said.

Regarding projects for the year 2022, the president of CEL said that he is proposing the construction of a biogas plant at the mouth of the Acelhuate River, as well as an energy project with turbines to take advantage of the energy potential of the Salvadoran coasts.

Source: Diario El Salvador