
The Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL), through the Organismo para la Implementación del Programa de Energía Nuclear en El Salvador (OIPEN) in coordination with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), officially launched the Misión de Examen Integrado de la Infraestructura Nuclear (INIR), a historic milestone that strengthens the country’s strategic vision for the development of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

The INIR mission constitutes a comprehensive evaluation of the national infrastructure required in El Salvador to advance a safe and responsible nuclear program aligned with the highest international standards in technological safety, regulation, and sustainability.

During the mission, international IAEA experts will evaluate fundamental aspects for the development of El Salvador’s nuclear program, including: the country’s legal and regulatory framework, the State’s institutional capacity to supervise and manage nuclear activities, nuclear safety and radiation protection, human resource management, and the development of specialized technical capabilities.

In addition, the program’s planning and sustainability will be evaluated, along with the preparation of future investments and technological infrastructure, transparency, cooperation, and communication mechanisms, and national readiness for the eventual incorporation of nuclear technology into the energy matrix.

Under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele, El Salvador continues to drive a profound transformation of its energy matrix, prioritizing innovation, diversification of sources, and energy independence as fundamental pillars for the country’s economic and social development.


During the inauguration, the President of CEL and Honorary Director of the Organismo para la Implementación del Programa de Energía Nuclear en El Salvador (OIPEN) emphasized that this process reflects the salvadoran State’s commitment to transparency, international cooperation, and institutional strengthening to build high-level technical capabilities.

“We recognize the technical support and cooperation provided by the IAEA and allied countries such as the United States, Argentina, and Spain, which have contributed to strengthening national capacities in energy and nuclear matters”, said Daniel Alvarez during the press conference.

The mission will allow the country to receive specialized technical recommendations on regulatory, institutional, technical, and human resource aspects—essential elements for the gradual and responsible development of a national nuclear program. Once the mission is approved, El Salvador will move to a second phase for program implementation.

With this initiative, El Salvador reaffirms its commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, sustainable development, and building an independent, modern, and competitive energy future for generations to come.
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