El Salvador and United States Sign Nuclear Energy Cooperation Agreement to Develop First Nuclear Plant

El Salvador’s government signed a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy to advance the planning and implementation of its nuclear energy program. The agreement was endorsed by Daniel Álvarez, director of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines of El Salvador, and Elizabeth Urbanas, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary for Asia and the Americas. This follows early engagements with the Thorium Energy Alliance in 2023, signaling El Salvador’s interest in thorium-based nuclear technology as a clean energy alternative. The country projects the launch of its first nuclear plant within seven years, aiming to supply both the public and private sectors with a reliable, low-carbon energy source.

The bilateral cooperation includes adopting U.S. regulatory standards through a separate Memorandum of Understanding between El Salvador’s nuclear regulatory office and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The partnership focuses on building El Salvador’s regulatory framework, expected to be operational by mid-2026, which is essential for the safe and compliant development of nuclear infrastructure. The U.S. NRC highlights the transfer of extensive technical expertise to El Salvador in safety, construction, and operational regulations of nuclear facilities.

Additionally, the “123 Agreement” under U.S. Atomic Energy Act provisions has reached the final negotiation stage. This framework will legally underpin peaceful nuclear cooperation, enabling technology transfer, scientific research, and capacity-building aligned with international safeguards. The Salvadoran delegation continues consultations with U.S. officials and private sector entities to secure technological support, training, and investment necessary for the project’s success.

The nuclear initiative forms part of El Salvador’s broader energy security strategy to reduce dependence on traditional fuels and position itself as an emerging leader in advanced energy technologies within the Latin American region. The collaboration further solidifies high-level political ties between both countries and aligns with President Nayib Bukele’s agenda for economic and infrastructural modernization.