El Salvador announces major industrial and energy investments

Leche Salud is investing US$21.6 million to expand its production capacity in El Salvador. According to Rodrigo Ayala, president of Invest in El Salvador, the expansion is expected to increase the company's current production capacity by 12% and create 75 new direct jobs.

In the energy sector, the Comisión Ejecutiva Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL) has projected investments for nuclear studies by 2027. Approximately US$12.46 million is allocated for pre-investment studies, with over 80% dedicated to evaluating potential nuclear sites in the departments of Chalatenango and San Vicente. This follows a site design mission by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure safety and environmental standards. The Salvadoran government aims to have its first nuclear reactor operational by 2030 and intends to train 400 specialists for peaceful nuclear energy use.

Other planned energy investments include US$1.47 million for wind power studies, US$20.93 million for a biogas plant at the Acelhuate River, and US$6.63 million for a wind farm in Metapán.