No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeCentral AmericaEl SalvadorEl Salvador Plans First Nuclear Reactor with New Energy Law

El Salvador Plans First Nuclear Reactor with New Energy Law

The Legislative Assembly of El Salvador has taken a significant step by approving a law to regulate activities related to the construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities. This new “Nuclear Energy Law” was passed with 57 votes in the 60-seat unicameral congress, largely supported by President Nayib Bukele’s Nuevas Ideas party. The law aims to oversee all activities, facilities, and practices associated with the nuclear fuel lifecycle for generating energy for peaceful purposes, as highlighted by William Soriano, a deputy from the official party.

Despite the law’s passage, it has not been without controversy. Marcela Villatoro, a deputy from the opposition Nationalist Republican Alliance (Arena), acknowledged the importance of supporting energy generation but expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with nuclear energy. She emphasized that there could be catastrophic risks not only to the environment but also to the health of Salvadorans.

Daniel Álvarez, director of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines, provided further insight into the government’s plans on local television. He mentioned that El Salvador aims to have its first research nuclear reactor operational within seven years. During this period, efforts will also focus on training approximately 400 individuals to manage and operate within this sector effectively.

Currently, El Salvador relies heavily on renewable energy sources, with official data indicating that by the end of 2022, 83% of the country’s electricity consumption came from renewable sources. This new law represents a strategic move towards diversifying the nation’s energy portfolio by incorporating nuclear energy as a potential future source.

The introduction of nuclear energy in El Salvador could signify a transformative shift in the country’s energy landscape. However, it also necessitates careful consideration of safety protocols and environmental impacts to mitigate any potential risks associated with nuclear technology. As El Salvador begins down this path, its attempting to balance innovation with safety which will be crucial to ensuring sustainable energy development for the country.

Trending Now

How Nayib Bukele Consolidated Total Power in El Salvador

No one was surprised. El Salvador’s President, Nayib Bukele, is now officially cleared for indefinite reelection. Congress, firmly under his control, paved the way...

Costa Rican Party Faces Scandal Over Alleged Lottery Laundering Links

The leadership of the National Democratic Agenda (ADN) party dismissed the entire executive committee of that group in Guatuso after learning of its members'...

Costa Rica Court Upholds Adults-Only Rule for LGBTIQ+ Pride March Closing Event

In a unanimous decision, Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber (Sala IV) has dismissed an appeal challenging the Ministry of Justice and Peace’s reclassification of the...

New U.S. Diplomat Jennifer Savage Takes Charge at Costa Rica Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica named Jennifer Savage as its new chargé d'affaires yesterday. She steps in to lead the diplomatic mission until...

Plastic Pollution Costs $1.5 Trillion Annually

Representatives from 184 countries began negotiations on Tuesday at the UN headquarters in Geneva to draft, within ten days, the first global treaty aimed...

Costa Rica Urged to Fix Broken Forestry Permit System

A new report by the Comptroller General's Office (CGR) revealed that poor management of the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC) by the Ministry...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica