
El Salvador has taken a significant step towards modernizing and expanding its energy sector by inaugurating the country’s first hybrid power plants. These plants are located in the departments of La Libertad and Santa Ana, and aim to provide clean and constant energy to over 14,000 families.
The two new facilities —San MatÃas in La Libertad and San Luis in Santa Ana— are operated by the CompañÃa Eléctrica Cucumacayán (CECSA). The modernization of these plants involved the installation of 1,500 solar photovoltaic panels. This upgrade enhances the plants’ capacity and was achieved with an investment of $1.6 million.
Juan Ceavega, president of CECSA, expressed pride in this milestone, stating: “It is a privilege for me as president of CECSA to inaugurate these two first hybrid plants in the country. We have modernized our plants, which we found almost abandoned, giving them a new face, the face that this new El Salvador deserves.”
The San MatÃas Hybrid Plant now boasts an installed capacity of 4.9 megawatts, combining 4.1 megawatts of hydroelectric power and 785 kilowatts of solar photovoltaic power. Meanwhile, the San Luis plant contributes 0.7 megawatts of hydroelectric power and 0.3 megawatts of solar photovoltaic power. Together, these plants will inject a total of 5.1 megawatts into the national grid.
Juan Ceavega also highlighted the advanced technology used in these projects. The solar panels installed are of the monocristalline and bifacial type, which improves the capture of sunlight by 30% compared to conventional solar technology. This innovation ensures higher energy generation by capturing light from both the top and bottom of the panels.
These hybrid plants are not only a technological advancement but also an environmental boon. They help CECSA avoid approximately 6,934 tons of CO2 emissions annually. “This, along with good water resource management, ensures a constant supply of clean and renewable energy,” added Ceavega.

As a subsidiary of the Ente Nacional de Transmisión Eléctrica (ENTE), CECSA plans to continue its modernization efforts across all its small hydroelectric plants and expand its projects to various parts of the country. This plan aligns with President Nayib Bukele’s policies on energy and aims to secure better energy prices for Salvadorans.
The introduction of these hybrid plants aligns with El Salvador’s broader initiative to increase renewable energy sources. Currently, renewable energy accounts for 80% of the country’s energy mix, while the remaining 20% is derived from bunker fuel, according to the Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del RÃo Lempa (CEL).
For those unfamiliar with El Salvador, this initiative represents a remarkable push towards sustainability and energy independence. By integrating solar and hydroelectric power, the country is setting a precedent in the region for combining renewable energy sources to create a more resilient and environmentally friendly energy system.
This news comes just days after the president of ETESAL (El Salvador’s National Energy Transmission Company) announced that the «El Salvador has energy stability. There is no risk of a blackout or shortage».
This surplus has allowed El Salvador to export energy to neighboring countries. The addition of these hybrid plants further strengthens the nation’s energy infrastructure, minimizing the risk of blackouts or energy rationing under current conditions.
By expanding its portfolio of energy-generating plants, El Salvador continues to solidify its position as a key player in the regional energy market.