El Salvador has taken a significant step toward diversifying its energy matrix with the official launch of the first Site & External Events Design (SEED) mission, carried out in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This effort, led by the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Programme (OIPEN – Organismo para la Implementación del Programa de Energia Nuclear), marks a crucial milestone in El Salvador’s plans to introduce nuclear energy as a sustainable and secure power source.
A team of IAEA experts and technical specialists conducted a comprehensive site evaluation process, applying internationally recognised parameters of nuclear safety and environmental protection. As of now, two candidate sites—located in San Vicente and Chalatenango—have been identified as meeting the necessary safety and technical feasibility criteria for hosting a future nuclear facility.
“This is one of the most important steps of our nuclear programme and we have the direct support of the IAEA, whose representatives have come to El Salvador to rigorously review all the sites that have been proposed. They have guided us under parameters, requirements, and recommendations with the highest safety standards of the Agency”, said Daniel Alvarez, President of power utility Río Lempa Hydroelectric Executive Commission (CEL – Comision Ejecutiva Hidroelectrica del Rio Lempa) and ad honorem director OIPEN.
The government’s collaboration with the IAEA reinforces El Salvador’s commitment to the responsible, safe, and transparent development of nuclear energy. The initiative also aims to strengthen national technical capabilities, enhance institutional trust, and create long-term opportunities for energy security and sustainability.
“The SEED mission aims to support the early identification and evaluation of sites, in order to detect external threats that could compromise the viability of a nuclear power plant”, explained José Bellini, an IAEA specialist. He noted that hydrological and seismic risks are analysed, among other external hazards that could directly impact the facility.
The experts focused their assessment on the geological characteristics of the area. They reviewed the conditions and assessed potential natural hazards that could affect the safety of the plant. In addition, they validated the previous studies conducted by the national technical team, ensuring that they were aligned with international and IAEA nuclear safety standards. The technicians conducted an exhaustive analysis of accessibility and logistics, considering the proximity to the main communication routes and water sources, essential for the safe operation of the plant.
