Argentina-El Salvador Agreement: Nuclear Cooperation to Diversify Energy

El Salvador signed a memorandum of understanding with the *Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica* (CNEA) of Argentina as part of its emerging nuclear program. This partnership aims to exchange information, organize scientific visits, and offer training opportunities and expert missions.

The memorandum was signed by CNEA President Germán Guido Lavalle and the Director of the Agency for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program (*Organismo de Implementación del Programa de Energía Nuclear*, OIPEN) of El Salvador, Daniel Alejandro Álvarez. According to Lavalle, this agreement represents “a major step in the development of nuclear energy for El Salvador.” He added that CNEA will make its expertise and educational resources available to strengthen local capacities in nuclear technology.

Strategic Objectives of El Salvador

Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele recently announced his country’s ambition to adopt nuclear energy to diversify its energy mix. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on external resources and support sustainable development.

During the recent General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (*International Atomic Energy Agency*, IAEA) in Vienna, Daniel Álvarez emphasized the country’s priorities: “We aim to diversify our energy matrix by reducing reliance on external resources, while respecting international standards and ensuring an affordable and sustainable supply.”

Argentina’s Role in the Cooperation

Argentina, with a nuclear tradition dating back to 1974, has three operational reactors and a small modular reactor under construction. Its vast experience in nuclear research and training, notably with the RA-10 reactor—a 30 MWt multipurpose reactor currently under construction—will be leveraged in this partnership with El Salvador.

This memorandum is also part of a broader bilateral cooperation between the two countries. In addition to technical support, Argentina will provide access to its research infrastructure and training programs for Salvadoran engineers.

Prospects for the Salvadoran Energy Sector

El Salvador’s long-term goal is to transform nuclear energy into a pillar of its economic and scientific development. The country seeks to use this technology to ensure a stable electricity supply while utilizing its peaceful applications in areas such as agriculture, health, and the environment.

Through this agreement, El Salvador hopes to build a solid local skills base and strengthen its position in the Latin American energy sector.