Why is El Salvador a big importer of electricity?

El Salvador currently imports about one-quarter of the country’s total electricity, making it the largest importer of electricity in Central America. Government officials have said the heavy reliance on imported power creates energy security risks, along with providing an economic challenge.

Why is the El Salvador power project important?

The power project, which began taking shape in 2013, is important for El Salvador because it offers cleaner energy production, replacing heavy fuel oil for power generation while offering flexibility the country needs to support the addition of more renewable energy resources to the national power grid.

How does electricity work in El Salvador?

From there, the gas powers 19 internal combustion engines and waste heat feeds one steam turbine. Two 230-kV electric transmission lines, one of which connects to the Central American Electrical Interconnection System, provides added grid reliability to the region and opens further opportunities for renewable energy in El Salvador.

Does El Salvador need a generator?

As the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador relies heavily on imported Heavy Fuel Oil-fired generators for its dispatched power. Our Project is expected to be the lowest cost thermal generator in the country, and it aims to supply 30% of the county’s total demand and significantly reduces its energy imports from 25% to about 5% in 2023.

When did El Salvador's EDP power plant start operating?

Despite the enormous challenges, including supply-chain disruptions, travel restrictions, airport closures, global financial volatility, and Salvadoran COVID-19 mitigation measures and regulations, the power plant began commercial operation in October 2022. EDP is a transformative investment in El Salvador’s clean energy future.

What will BW LNG do for El Salvador?

BW LNG will provide management oversight during conversion and operation. As the smallest country in Central America, El Salvador relies heavily on imported Heavy Fuel Oil-fired generators for its dispatched power.