El Salvador Nuclear Energy Program

The law for creating the Nuclear Energy Program Implementation Organism in El Salvador (OIPEN) presents significant opportunities for U.S. nuclear energy companies.

The newly established entity, OIPEN, will operate under the supervision of the Executive Hydroelectric Commission of the Lempa River (CEL), and will be tasked with developing and executing national plans and policies to introduce nuclear energy for electricity and heat generation. Additionally, OIPEN will lead the necessary studies for the installation of nuclear power plants in El Salvador, focusing on electricity production, industrial applications, and the use of by-products in sectors such as medicine and agriculture.

This law reflects the country’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources. According to government energy officials, electricity consumption in the country is projected to increase by 2050, with nuclear energy potentially constituting 26% of the energy mix. Even though El Salvador currently does not have a 123 agreement with the United States, the country’s proactive efforts to establish a regulatory framework for nuclear energy create an encouraging environment for collaboration.

U.S. companies specializing in nuclear technology, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), regulatory compliance consultancy, project development, safety assessments, and training programs, can play a pivotal role in supporting OIPEN’s objectives.

This law went into effect on July 8th, 2024. A copy is available in El Salvador’s Official Gazette, publishing date: July 8, 2024.

For more information, contact the U.S. Commercial Service Office in San Salvador at office.sansalvador@trade.gov