In 2025, El Salvador is seeing more than half of its electricity consumption coming from low-carbon sources. Specifically, the country generates more than 60% of its electricity from clean energy technologies, with geothermal and hydropower each contributing around 17%, while solar power provides 16% of the electricity. Biofuels offer about 10% and wind energy accounts for a small portion of the electricity supply. On the other hand, close to a third of the electricity still relies on gas, a fossil fuel, highlighting the urgent need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels due to their contribution to climate change and air pollution. Net imports make up a minimal percentage, underlining the significance of national generation capacity.
Data sources used on this page include Ember, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in El Salvador?
Unfortunately, electricity consumption in El Salvador is currently declining. The country's latest figures show a sharp fall to 668 kWh per person in 2025, which is a drastic drop from the previous year’s record of 1315 kWh per person. This decrease is mirrored in low-carbon electricity generation, which has shrunk to 419 kWh per person from the previous high of 891 kWh per person. These declines indicate a worrying trend for the country's energy security and environmental goals. As the global demand for electricification and AI increases, maintaining a robust and expanding electricity supply, particularly from low-carbon sources, is crucial.
Suggestions
To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, El Salvador can capitalize on its existing solar infrastructure. By expanding solar electricity, the country can generate more clean energy domestically and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Taking inspiration from regions like Nevada and California, where solar electricity accounts for significant portions of their energy mix, could be beneficial. Moreover, adopting strategies from countries with successful nuclear programs like France or the Slovak Republic can provide El Salvador with a diversified and resilient energy portfolio. Wind energy developments in regions such as Denmark and Iowa also highlight practical alternatives that El Salvador can explore to diversify its clean energy efforts further.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in El Salvador shows an ever-evolving landscape, particularly concerning hydropower. The late 1970s and 1980s witnessed fluctuations in hydroelectric output, including a notable decline in 1981. The late 1990s and early 2000s were marked by further decreases, with exceptions in specific years like 1996 and 2010 when hydro output saw brief increases. More recently, 2020 saw a positive change with an increase in hydropower and solar energy generation. However, in 2025, significant declines returned across multiple low-carbon sources, underscoring the critical need for strategic investment and development in the sector to ensure sustainable and consistent growth.
