In 2024, El Salvador's electricity consumption is predominantly low-carbon, with more than two-thirds coming from these clean sources. Hydropower contributes over a quarter of the electricity, making it the largest single source of low-carbon energy. Geothermal and solar also play a significant role, representing almost a fifth and about 15% of the total generation, respectively, while nearly 7% comes from biofuels, and just under 2% from wind. Fossil fuels make up the remaining third, with gas being the primary contributor in this category. This relatively high share of low-carbon electricity is encouraging, showcasing El Salvador's commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in El Salvador?
El Salvador's electricity consumption is on an upward trend as indicated by the latest figures. The 2024 per capita electricity use reached 1,315 kWh, increasing by 26 kWh from the previous year. This growth demonstrates a positive trajectory, highlighting an increasing demand that reflects electrification and economic development. Moreover, the generation of low-carbon electricity has risen to 891 kWh per person, which is an increase since the historical peak in 2021. This progress underscores the importance of expanding clean energy to further reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which continue to cause climate change and air pollution.
Suggestions
To further boost low-carbon electricity, El Salvador should focus on expanding solar capacity, already generating a significant portion of its electricity. The country can draw lessons from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar contributes around a third of the electricity supply, proving the viability of solar expansion. Additionally, exploring nuclear energy can diversify the energy mix and provide a steady power supply. Countries such as France and Slovakia successfully harness nuclear power for more than two-thirds of their electricity needs, setting examples for how nuclear energy can substantially decrease fossil fuel dependency and secure a greener future for El Salvador.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in El Salvador, decades of hydropower development have seen many fluctuations. Since the late 1970s, there have been both increases and decreases in hydropower contributions, illustrating the challenges of maintaining consistent output over time. More recently, from 2020 onwards, hydropower and solar have shown a promising rise, with hydropower seeing notable gains in 2020 and 2024 and solar adding significant capacity in 2020. Although there was a setback in biofuels in 2022, these recent growth arcs in hydropower and solar energy are encouraging signs of an increasingly stable and sustainable electricity system. This evolution underscores the potential for further developing solar and embracing nuclear, thereby securing a reliable and clean electricity supply for the future.
