A. M. 
El Salvador positions itself as a leader in the promotion of clean energy by hosting the 11th Geothermal Congress for Latin America and the Caribbean (GEOLAC 2024). This event, held for the first time in the country, brings together delegations from more than 15 nations to discuss the future of geothermal energy, a key renewable resource for the region. The initiative is promoted by the Government of President Nayib Bukele, with the support of institutions such as the World Bank and the International Geothermal Agency.
During the event, Daniel Álvarez, head of the Dirección General de Energía, Hidrocarburos y Minas (DGEHM) highlighted that geothermal energy, historically untapped in El Salvador, is now the axis of an ambitious energy plan. This effort seeks to transform the national energy system towards more sustainable sources, guaranteeing access to clean and economic energy for all salvadorans.
The congress addresses strategic issues for the sector, including the impact of geothermal energy on industrial growth, food security, and economic stability. According to Carine Clert, World Bank country manager, “El Salvador is advancing rapidly, but to sustain this growth, clean and accessible energy is needed. Experts from the public and private sectors shared technical opinions, consolidating alliances that will boost the development of this renewable energy source.
The event reinforces El Salvador’s role as a reference in energy innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition, the choice of the country as host highlights the international recognition of the Government’s leadership in this area. The national strategy includes the implementation of advanced technologies to take full advantage of the geothermal potential of the territory.
GEOLAC 2024 is not only a space for technical exchange, but also a platform for building strategic links between governments, international organizations and private companies. These alliances seek to ensure the sustainable development of the energy sector in the region.
With this initiative, the Government of El Salvador reaffirms its commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future for all of Latin America, positioning geothermal energy as an essential pillar for the transition to renewable energies.
