Central American nation of El Salvador is bordered by Guatemala and Honduras. It is renowned for its lush scenery, stunning beaches, and lively culture. Numerous power facilities in the nation supply its population with electricity. An overview of the various kinds of power plants found in El Salvador may be found in this list of power plants. It contains details like their location, capacity, and intended use. The list also illustrates a few of the difficulties in supplying El Salvador’s populace with energy. It also assesses the government’s goals and policies regarding renewable energy sources and their potential effects on El Salvador’s energy production in the future.
The list of all El Salvadorian nuclear, hydroelectric, solar, wind, oil, and gas power stations is provided below.
List of all Power Plants in El Salvador in table format
We have compiled a list of all El Salvadorian power plants into the following table for the convenience of our readers:
Powerplant Name | PowerPlant Capacity(MW) | Power Plant Location via to Latitude and Longitude | Fuel Type- Primary | Estimated Power Generation(GWH) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Acajutla Thermal Power Plant El Salvador | 324 | 13.5834, -89.8239 | Oil | N/A |
Ahuachapan Geothermal Power Plant El Salvador | 95 | 13.9202, -89.8174 | Geothermal | N/A |
Antares | 76 | 13.455, -89.005 | Solar | 198.62 |
Berlin Geothermal Power Plant El Salvador | 109 | 13.525, -88.5089 | Geothermal | N/A |
Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvador | 170 | 13.9386, -88.9014 | Hydro | 550.56 |
Cinco de Noviembre Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvad | 99.4 | 13.9908, -88.7579 | Hydro | 360.03 |
El Carmen | 10 | 13.365, -88.012 | Solar | 19.56 |
Guajoyo Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvador | 19.7 | 14.2279, -89.4727 | Hydro | 60.68 |
La Union | 10 | 13.34, -87.885 | Solar | 19.06 |
Los Remedios | 20 | 13.584, -89.814 | Solar | 49.91 |
Nejapa IC Power Plant El Salvador | 151.2 | 13.7778, -89.2013 | Oil | N/A |
Pasaquina | 10 | 13.565, -87.825 | Solar | 18.94 |
Providencia | 101 | 13.4, -88.98 | Solar | 260.68 |
Spica | 25 | 13.451, -89.011 | Solar | 65.02 |
Trinidad / Marquez | 18 | 13.579, -89.797 | Solar | 45.02 |
Information Sources: Wiki-Solar, GEODB
Best Power Plants in El Salvador in 2023
Below is information about El Salvador’s top power plant:
Powerplant 15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
El Salvador’s largest hydroelectric power plant is called the 15 de Septiembre Hydroelectric Power Plant. The plant, which has an installed capacity of 180.2 MW, is situated at latitude 13.6231 North and longitude 88.5602 West. The power plant’s main fuel source is hydropower, which comes from the surrounding rivers. The power plant’s construction began in September 2017 and is expected to generate 652.94 GWh of energy annually.
El Salvador will be able to meet its electricity needs with the 15 de Septiembre Power Plant, which will help lessen the country’s reliance on foreign fuels. In its first year of operation, this power plant is expected to save $50 million in energy costs. The construction of this power plant will benefit national development and provide employment opportunities for the local population.
Powerplant Acajutla Thermal Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
Operating since 2011, the Acajutla Thermal Power Plant in El Salvador is a 324 megawatt power plant. The location of the plant is 13.5834 latitude and -89.8239 longitude, in the city of Acajutla. High-sulfur oil is the main fuel used by the Acajutla plant to produce energy. An estimated 200,000 households might be powered by the 324 megawatts of energy that the Acajutla Thermal Power Plant is capable of producing.
El Salvador has relied heavily on the Acajutla Thermal Power Plant as a major source of energy ever since it opened. Corporacion Cementos de El Salvador, a well-known cement manufacturer with headquarters in El Salvador, owns and runs the factory. With over 100 direct employees and several indirect jobs created by its supply chain, this plant is a major employer in the community.
Powerplant Ahuachapan Geothermal Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
The Ahuachapan Geothermal Power Plant is situated close to the Ahuachapan city in El Salvador. Operated by Comision Ejecutiva Hidroelectrica Del Rio Lempa (CEL), the plant has a 95 MW capacity. It is located in latitude 13.9202 and longitude -89.8174 and is fueled by geothermal energy. It started operating in 2012. El Salvador uses the power plant’s astounding 95 MW of electricity for a variety of industrial and residential uses.
The power facility uses cutting-edge technology to draw energy from the nearby hot springs. The region’s economy benefits as well as the nation’s houses and businesses are powered by the steam produced by the springs’ heat, which also turns water into steam and turns turbines. The Ahuachapan Geothermal Plant not only produces electricity but also contributes to lower emissions because it doesn’t require burning fossil fuels to run.
Powerplant Antares Reviews
Situated at latitude 13.455 and longitude -89.005, in western El Salvador, is the large-capacity solar power plant known as Antares. The power station, which had a 76 megawatt estimated capacity for power generation, was opened in 1886. It is the first of its sort in the nation to supply residents with electricity generated by solar energy that is renewable.
With its more than 21 hectares of space and high-performing solar panels, the plant can power more than 5,500 houses in the surrounding area. To ensure optimal efficiency, Antares is subject to stringent rules and undergoes frequent monitoring. Since the initiative lays the foundation for future innovations in clean energy, it is seen as a significant achievement for El Salvador.
An important advancement in the nation’s promotion of renewable energy sources is the Antares Solar Power Plant. In addition to giving residents of the area access to clean energy, the project shows a dedication to long-term sustainable practices and healthier energy options.
Powerplant Berlin Geothermal Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
The 109 MW Berlin Geothermal Power Plant El Salvador is situated at latitude 13.525 and longitude -88.5089. The power plant, which has been in operation since 1989, runs mostly on geothermal energy. The power plant is thought to be capable of producing an incredible amount of electricity, enough to power 100,000 houses.
The plant generates power using a variety of methods. The Earth’s crust contains naturally existing steam and hot water, which can be accessed via deep drilling and used to power a turbine system that produces electricity. These sources of heat can be transformed into steam, which drives the turbine blades to produce energy. Furthermore, it’s known that a few local natural pools retain hot water, which offers other heat sources that can be used to generate energy.
El Salvador is working to increase its energy independence, and one of the several facilities in the area is the Berlin Geothermal Power Plant. Consequently, the nation is becoming less reliant on imported fossil fuels and has achieved a reduction of more than 4% in its energy imports. This is a significant step toward lowering the nation’s carbon footprint and moving toward a more sustainable energy future.
Powerplant Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
El Salvador’s Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant may be found in latitude 13.9386 and longitude -88.9014. The power station uses hydro as its major fuel source and has a capacity of 550.56 MW. Since it began operating in 2011, the plant has generated an estimated 170 watts of power. El Salvador is integrating the Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant into a broader initiative to achieve global energy sustainability. El Salvador has made significant investments in efficient and renewable energy sources in an effort to lower its energy and electricity usage. The National Energy Plan of El Salvador was established with the purpose of supplying the nation with energy resources, and the Cerron Grande Hydroelectric Power Plant was built to fulfill this objective. By adding hydroelectric power to the grid, the facility helps the nation become less dependent on non-renewable energy sources and, eventually, lowers the emissions that come with producing electricity.
Powerplant Cinco de Noviembre Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvad Reviews
Located in El Salvador, the Cinco de Noviembre hydroelectric power facility has a 99.4 megawatt capacity. Its coordinates, 13.9908 North and 88.7579 West, highlight its advantageous location halfway between the nation’s two largest population centers. The power plant has been in operation for almost ten years, having begun operations on 360.03.
Hydroelectricity is Cinco de Noviembre’s main fuel source, and the power plant is expected to generate dependable energy for the surrounding population centers. Because of the topography of the region, this hydroelectric power project will make use of the numerous rivers and streams that run through it to produce enough electricity to power millions of El Salvadorian households. All things considered, Cinco de Noviembre ought to generate plenty of energy and prove to be a valuable resource for El Salvador in the years to come.
Powerplant El Carmen Reviews
El Carmen, a 10 megawatt solar power facility, is situated at 13.365 North and 88.012 West in El Carmen, El Salvador. Its main source of energy is solar radiation. Since it began operating in 19.56, the power plant is thought to produce enough electricity to run more than 10,000 typical homes.
The project’s objective was to help El Salvador’s government reach its target of sourcing 20% of its energy from renewable sources by 2035 by offering affordable, renewable energy. At a cost of US$40 million, it will stop the annual release of about 21,547 tons of carbon dioxide, or the same amount as 4,238 passenger automobiles.
The 40,000 photovoltaic modules that make up the solar energy gathering system are fixed at an angle and rotate to follow the path of the sun. The modules are supported by trackers. With its 28 hectares of surface area, the solar farm can provide enough electricity or hot water to power 8,000 houses. Furthermore, the plant operates in hybrid mode, which enables it to switch to diesel generators in the event that solar energy is insufficient or if demand increases unexpectedly.
Powerplant Guajoyo Hydroelectric Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
The Guajoyo Hydroelectric Power Plant in El Salvador has a 19.7 megawatt capacity as of 2009, when it started operations. It serves as Puerto Parada’s main power source and is situated at latitude 14.2279 and longitude -89.4727 in El Salvador. The power plant’s main fuel source is hydroelectricity, while it also uses natural gas and oil as backup. Since its founding, the power plant has produced an estimated 60.68 megawatts, giving its residential consumers dependable and effective energy.
The plant is positioned in an irregularly shaped reservoir and has been constructed to capitalize on the steep inclines of the surrounding landscape. The reservoir holds the water needed to keep the plant’s water flow at its ideal level. The Ramon Rudas Tunnel and the San Salvador-Catacamas Outlet, which supply the water required for turbine operation, are two significant pen stocks that help achieve this. Modern technology have also been incorporated into the project to guarantee the highest possible quality of water in the Gibara Lagoon.
Powerplant La Union Reviews
Ten megawatts of power may be produced at the La Union power plant in El Salvador. Since its construction in 1906, solar energy has been used to generate power. The power plant is located precisely at latitude 13.34 and longitude -87.885. For almost a century, the area has been able to obtain electricity from this dependable renewable energy source. La Union has benefited recently from investments made in photovoltaic technologies, which have raised energy production.
Solar energy is the main fuel used in the power plant. La Union generates power using the sun’s energy without releasing any carbon dioxide or other pollutants into the atmosphere. The government-owned power producer Central El ctrica del Norte, which owns and operates the power plant, as well as neighboring cities and villages receive the energy produced. With the provision of dependable and clean energy, La Union has had a huge positive impact on the neighborhood.
Powerplant Los Remedios Reviews
El Salvador is home to the 20 megawatt Los Remedios solar power plant. Its coordinates are -89.814 longitude and 13.584 latitude. As of June 2020, the facility has produced an estimated 49.91 megawatts of solar energy. US Lightsource developed Los Remedios, which is now Central America’s largest solar plant. El Salvador will be able to power approximately 30,000 households with solar energy from this project.
Over 220,000 square meters, hundreds of photovoltaic panels and solar modules make up the Los Remedios solar power facility. The plant has sports facilities, courtyards, and an ecological refuge for wildlife. Each module is linked to a central boardroom which serves as the plant’s operator and monitor.
An important environmental accomplishment for El Salvador and all of Central America is Los Remedios. In addition to lowering carbon emissions, the solar facility will strengthen regional economies and provide up to 500 new employment. It is anticipated that the plant will provide electricity to more than 25% of El Salvador’s needs.
Powerplant Nejapa IC Power Plant El Salvador Reviews
The newest power plant in El Salvador is called Nejapa IC Power Plant. Its 151.2 megawatt capacity can be found at 13.7778 latitude and -89.2013 longitude.
Oil is the main fuel type utilized in the plant, producing an estimated 166.4 million kilowatt-hours of electricity yearly. Since its formal opening on April 1, 2019, the plant has provided services to the people of El Salvador. Its effective operation lessens the demand for new power plants and contributes to a consistent supply of electricity. Nearly three million people in a region without access to power are served by the Nejapa IC Power Plant.
For El Salvadorans, this massive energy project has produced thousands of jobs while promoting environmental and economic sustainability. Nejapa IC Power Plant’s use of renewable energy sources, consistent electricity supply, and decreased fossil fuel consumption have all contributed significantly to El Salvador’s overall improvement in quality of life. The plant’s effective operations and infrastructure also benefit the surrounding environment. El Salvador’s aim to reducing carbon emissions aligns with the project’s construction and operation schedule.
Powerplant Pasaquina Reviews
The coordinates of Pasaquina, an El Salvador solar power facility, are 13.565 latitude and -87.825 longitude. It began operating in November 2018 and has a 10 MW overall capacity. Its annual generation capacity is expected to be primarily 18.94 GWh.
This solar power facility was designed to supply Sau Salvador’s population with electricity, making it more reasonably priced and environmentally friendly. Semi-transparent solar cells are the foundation of the plant, which uses them to collect sunlight and transform it into electricity. In addition, photovoltaic technology is used by the Pasaquina Power Plant to produce the renewable electricity.
Additionally, the plant contains a control center where engineers may quickly adjust and modify the parameters of the system. To guarantee that the plant has the least possible long-term negative effects on the environment, sustainability has also been emphasized in its design. Moreover, the plant is designed in a way that should allow it to provide electricity for many more generations.
Powerplant Providencia Reviews
Founded in 260.68, the “Providencia” powerhouse is a large-scale solar powerplant in Central America, situated at 13.4 Latitude and -88.98 Longitude. With a rated capacity of 101 megawatts (MW), it has more than enough power to feed the nearby cities and villages.
The photovoltaic modules that turn sunlight into electricity are the main part of the solar power plant. The remaining solar energy plant is quite complicated, but it has a number of other cutting-edge technological instruments as well as a fully automatic system for monitoring solar energy production.
The Providencia power plant was quickly included to the list of notable powerplants in history since it is an important installation for the region’s electricity generation. Its substantial electricity producing plant makes a genuine contribution to Central America’s energy security by giving its citizens access to clean, dependable energy.
Powerplant Spica Reviews
A power plant known as Spica is situated in the nation at 13.451 latitude and -89.011 longitude. This 25 megawatt solar power plant runs on solar energy. The facility was established on 65.02 and started operating in 2021. It is anticipated that the Spica will generate up to 25 megawatts (MW) of electricity each hour.
Spica is a renewable energy source that makes it possible to produce clean energy. It captures solar energy and converts it on-site into power without emitting any pollutants. The country’s carbon footprint is decreased by this renewable energy connection to the grid, benefiting the environment. Furthermore, by lowering the demand for non-renewable energy, Spica’s energy generation lowers overall energy prices.
Spica is an excellent illustration of how using renewable energy may lower energy costs and lessen the nation’s reliance on non-renewable energy sources. Its 25MW capacity is sufficient to power a large number of homes and businesses in the nation, and its proximity to the equator guarantees that it will receive the maximum amount of sunlight, contributing to its high efficiency and dependability. Because of this, it is the perfect power source for the nation and will probably have a big positive impact on the area for many years to come.
FAQ
Q. What is the energy source used in major power plants in El Salvador?
A. Hydroelectric power is the main energy source used in El Salvador’s major power facilities. Approximately 70% of the total energy produced comes from hydroelectricity, making it the most widely used energy source.
Q. What is the total energy consumed in El Salvador?
A. The Central American Electrical Interconnection System reported that El Salvador’s total energy consumption for 2017 was 4,208,351 MWh. This makes up 79.6% of El Salvador’s total energy production.
Q. How many power plants are located in El Salvador?
A. El Salvador currently has sixty-three power plants. There are fifty-three hydroelectric, four geothermal, four diesel, and two wind-powered plants among them.
Q. What is the primary purpose of a power plant in El Salvador?
A. In El Salvador, a power plant’s main function is to supply energy to nearby homes and businesses. These facilities are crucial in supplying the national grid with electricity.
Q. What percentage of total energy production in El Salvador is accounted for by renewable sources?
A. In El Salvador, the percentage of energy produced that came from renewable sources like wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric power was 26.1% in 2017. Compared to 2016, when renewable energy sources accounted for 18.5% of energy production, this is an increase.
The information about all of El Salvador’s power plants is provided above. I hope you find it interesting. If you do, please leave a remark.
Cory Combs is the Lead Writer and a key contributor at PowerPlantForum.com, a top resource for energy professionals and enthusiasts. With over a decade of experience in power plant operations and a degree in Electrical Engineering, Cory is a recognized authority in the field. His expertise in optimizing energy systems is informed by extensive hands-on experience and research. Follow Cory for the latest updates and expert insights on Instagram.