In 2024, El Salvador's electricity consumption is predominantly green, with more than two-thirds of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources. Hydropower contributes to just over a quarter of the total, while geothermal energy provides almost a fifth. Solar power has made significant strides, supplying around 15% of the electricity. A smaller portion, close to none, is produced from wind power at about 2%. Fossil energy makes up approximately one-third of the electricity consumption, primarily driven by gas. This current composition underscores the country's commitment to fostering a sustainable energy mix while minimizing reliance on fossil fuels.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in El Salvador?
Electricity consumption in El Salvador is on an upward trajectory. In 2024, the per capita electricity consumption reached 1,315 kWh, surpassing the previous record set in 2023 by 27 kWh per person. The rise is a promising indicator of growth. More importantly, the increase isn't limited to overall consumption; there's also an uptick in clean electricity generation, with low-carbon electricity rising to 891 kWh per person from the previous record of 878 kWh per person in 2021. This demonstrates a healthy growth in green energy adoption, a critical factor for a sustainable future.
Suggestions
To further augment low-carbon electricity generation, El Salvador could expand its solar energy infrastructure, building on its existing foundation and potential for solar power. Drawing lessons from countries like Lebanon and states like Nevada, which have embraced solar power significantly, could provide valuable insights. Moreover, El Salvador could consider nuclear energy as a potential addition to its clean electricity portfolio. Countries like France and Slovakia have demonstrated the effectiveness of nuclear energy, providing between two-thirds and half of their electricity needs through this green source. By incorporating lessons from these regions, including the successful strategies of wind power adoption in places like Denmark and Uruguay, El Salvador can reinforce its journey towards a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in El Salvador has been dynamic, with noticeable developments over the decades. In the late 1970s and the 1980s, the country's hydropower saw fluctuations, initially growing and then experiencing a period of decline. The 1990s saw both gains and losses in hydropower, with key growth spurts in the mid-1990s. The turn of the century brought challenges, particularly with a downturn in early 2000, but a gradual recovery was observed by 2003 onwards. The more recent years have been promising; 2020 marked a turning point with notable increases in both hydropower and the nascent solar sector. Although there were some setbacks in 2023, this was followed by a positive upswing just a year later. As El Salvador continues to balance its energy portfolio, it's clear that expanding solar and possibly considering nuclear could be significant steps for further growth.
