
El Salvador has taken a historic leap toward energy independence with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the United States and a technical cooperation agreement with Argentina to develop its first civil nuclear reactor.
The partnerships aim to diversify the country’s energy matrix, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and position El Salvador as a regional leader in advanced technology.
1. U.S.-El Salvador Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
- Key Signatories: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Salvadoran Foreign Minister Alexandra Hill Tinoco formalized the MOU during Rubio’s visit to El Salvador, following discussions with President Nayib Bukele at the Presidential House on Lake Coatepeque.
- Objectives:
- Energy Security: Shift from hydropower (80% of current energy) and fossil fuels (70% of the matrix) to stable, climate-resilient nuclear energy.
- Thorium Technology: Focus on thorium-based reactors, a safer alternative to uranium with lower proliferation risks.
- Regulatory Frameworks: Strengthen the Directorate of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines to oversee nuclear safety and licensing.

In early February 2025, during the U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to El Salvador, Marco Rubio (the Secretary of State) signed a memorandum of understanding with El Salvador. The agreement includes several aspects, such as technical training and advisory support to help El Salvador develop its first modular nuclear power plant and strengthen its energy matrix.
2. Argentina’s Role in Technical Training
- Agreement with CNEA: During President Bukele’s visit to Argentina in October 2024, El Salvador signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) to train Salvadoran specialists in nuclear technology.
- Workforce Development: Argentina will help train 400 Salvadoran experts by 2030, focusing on reactor operation, fuel management, and safety protocols.
- Modular Reactors: Argentina, which recently announced plans to build four modular nuclear plants, will share expertise in small-scale reactor design.

3. Strategic Goals and Timeline
- First Modular Reactor by 2031: A 7-year roadmap includes:
- Phase 1 (2025-2027): Infrastructure design, regulatory upgrades, and workforce training.
- Phase 2 (2028-2031): Construction of a 100 MW thorium reactor to power industrial zones and urban centers.
- Economic Growth: Attract $5 billion in investments and create jobs in nuclear engineering, medicine, and agriculture.
Currently, El Salvador’s energy matrix is strong, but the country aims to make it even more robust to support tech companies it seeks to attract.
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It is worth noting that some time ago, El Salvador created a law with incentives for innovation, technology, and tech manufacturing companies.
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4. Benefits for El Salvador
- Energy Export Potential: With a robust grid, El Salvador already sells surplus electricity to neighbors (e.g., Guatemala and Honduras). Nuclear energy could expand this role.
- Climate Resilience: Reduce vulnerability to droughts affecting hydroelectric dams.
- Tech Hub Ambitions: Reliable energy supports Bukele’s vision to position El Salvador as a 4th Industrial Revolution leader, attracting AI, blockchain, and manufacturing industries.
5. Challenges and Considerations
- Public Trust: Address concerns about nuclear safety and radioactive waste, despite thorium’s lower environmental impact.
- Funding: The project requires $4-5 billion, partially offset by U.S. grants and loans from multilateral banks.
Conclusion: A Transformative Partnership. By leveraging U.S. technological resources and Argentine nuclear expertise, El Salvador is poised to redefine its energy future. While challenges like funding and public perception remain, the agreements underscore a bold commitment to innovation and sustainability.