An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission said El Salvador has made notable progress in establishing the framework needed to support an informed decision on the introduction of nuclear power. The review was carried out at the invitation of the Government of El Salvador.
El Salvador is considering nuclear energy as a complement to its diversified energy mix, where 69% of electricity generation already comes from renewable sources. With electricity demand projected to grow steadily and potentially double by 2050, nuclear power has been identified as a strategic option to provide firm, low-carbon and climate-resilient generation. El Salvador’s long-term energy planning envisions nuclear energy contributing around 15% of electricity generation by 2050, potentially through the deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).
The INIR mission – hosted by the Organisation for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Programme (OIPEN -Organismo para la Implementación del Programa de Energía Nuclear) – reviewed the status of nuclear infrastructure development using the Phase 1 criteria from the IAEA’s Milestones Approach, which provides detailed guidance across three phases of development (consider, prepare, construct). The end of Phase 1 marks the readiness of a country to make a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power programme.
The INIR team, comprising five international experts from Belgium, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the US, and four IAEA staff, identified several good practices made by El Salvador. The country has taken proactive steps by conducting an early evaluation of SMR technologies. The government has also implemented a comprehensive and coordinated approach to assess the national education and training infrastructure, and established a robust system to document all current and planned siting activities. This systematic process ensures that the results of site selection are transparently recorded and traceable, supporting informed and accountable decision-making.
“El Salvador is committed to exploring nuclear energy in a responsible, safe and transparent manner as part of its long-term energy strategy,” said mission team leader Eric Mathet, Operational Lead of the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section. “The INIR mission provided valuable independent guidance to ensure alignment with international standards and good practices.”
The INIR team made a series of recommendations and suggestions aimed at supporting El Salvador in further developing its nuclear infrastructure. These addressed crucial areas, such as the need to strengthen programme governance within OIPEN and to improve the technical basis for making decisions as El Salvador prepares to move forward with its nuclear energy programme. The review emphasised that El Salvador should carefully plan and oversee the completion of its legal and regulatory framework for nuclear energy. It also needs to finalise its approaches to human resource management and stakeholder engagement. Finally, the team advised that El Salvador should complete its plans and policies for nuclear safety, security, and safeguards, which include clearly defining the roles of key institutions and conducting a comprehensive assessment of its emergency preparedness and response procedures.
“This mission represents a historic step for El Salvador,” said Daniel Alvarez, President of Hydroelectric Executive Commission of the Lempa River and Ad Honorem Director of OIPEN. “More than a technical evaluation, it is a demonstration of the country’s commitment to the responsible, transparent, and safe development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, following the highest international standards and with the support of the IAEA.”
The preliminary draft INIR report was delivered during the closing session of the mission. Based on the outcomes of the INIR mission, the IAEA and El Salvador will develop an Integrated Work Plan to provide coordinated support in line with the future development of the country’s nuclear power programme.
Meanwhile, OIPEN) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Spain’s Nuclear Safety Council (CSN) to enhance cooperation in nuclear safety and radiological protection. The agreement reflects a shared commitment between the two nations to strengthen bilateral relations and promote security in the nuclear sector. The memorandum will be in effect for five years, with the possibility of extension.
El Salvador began its nuclear development in March 2023 with a memorandum of understanding signed with the Thorium Energy Alliance (TEA), a Harvard, Illinois-based non-profit advocacy group that endorses thorium-fuelled reactors. TEA aims to restart a homogeneous fuels research reactor programme and commercialise a Molten Salt Reactor and the supply chain infrastructure behind it. Later in 2023, the Legislative Assembly approved the law creating OIPEN.
In May 2025, the IAEA deployed its first Site & External Events Design (SEED) Mission to El Salvador tasked with reviewing possible sites for feasibility and safety. The government initially mentioned San Vicente and Chalatenango as potential locations, but officials have not confirmed whether these areas remain under consideration.
