AES: Powering the Islands of El Salvador with Solar-Plus-Storage Technology

Company Name: The AES Corporation (“AES”)

Project Name: Meanguera del Golfo

Industry: Energy

Project Location: Conchagüita, Meanguera del Golfo, and Zacatillo in El Salvador

Project Partners: The Municipalities of Meanguera del Golfo and La Unión; El Salvador’s Navy

The main goals of the Meanguera del Golfo project were to improve the reliability and resilience of the local electricity grid for hard-to-reach island communities through innovative clean energy solutions. Previously, the region relied on a single undersea cable from the mainland of El Salvador for its power supply. When the cable was damaged, communities faced prolonged power outages, underscoring the fragility of the system. This dependency on a vulnerable underwater grid exposed the region to risks from harsh ocean conditions and disruptions caused by large vessels.

This project aligns most with the “Transformative” principle of the Principles for Corporate Climate Resilience Leadership. This integrated solar-plus-storage project is not only about the decarbonization and resilience of the electricity grid, but also strengthening the resilience of local communities by boosting the economic and social development in the Gulf of Fonseca region of El Salvador. The project is the first and only solar plant of its kind in Central America that has been built under the concept of distributed generation integrated with battery storage technology to provide carbon-free energy 24 hours a day. It draws on AES’ previous experience delivering one of the largest integrated solar power and storage systems in the world (100 MWh), which currently provides reliable and carbon-free energy to the island of Kauai, Hawaii, United States.

Project Team: Business Development, Engineering and Construction, Environmental, Health and Safety, Supply Chain / Procurement, Corporate Affairs and Impact

The development of this facility has transformed renewable energy delivery in the region, using advanced battery technology to address intermittent energy challenges and ensuring a reliable power supply in the Gulf of Fonseca region.

This solar-plus-storage plant’s technology specifications include1,929 solar panels and 208 batteries with a peak capacity to generate 1.3 megawatts (MWp) of sustainable energy and store up to 4 MWh of solar resources. All told, the plant represents a total investment of $5.2 million.

Delivering this solution required an innovative approach to overcome the numerous barriers involved when introducing modern grid technologies to remote island communities. The construction of AES’ Meanguera del Golfo Plant required meticulous coordination with local leaders and engagement with the communities and suppliers to address logistical hurdles such as weight restrictions for equipment transportation to and within the islands and sourcing the right technology. Additionally, the mountainous topography and rural conditions of the islands added to the project’s complexity.

During the day, the solar panels generate electricity and charge batteries with excess electricity, driving commercial, recreational, and educational activities in the region. When night falls, the solar-charged batteries enable the continued distribution of renewable energy to island inhabitants. This innovative model transforms the way renewable energy can reach communities located in hard-to-reach areas, guaranteeing 24/7 carbon-free electricity for all, regardless of location.

Since the completion of Meanguera del Golfo project in July 2023, nearly 800 households on the islands of Conchagüita, Meanguera del Golfo, and Zacatillo now have safe, efficient, and affordable access to sustainable energy. The plant’s impact extends beyond technology; it has enhanced the quality of life for local communities:

• • Resource Accessibility: Improved access to consistent electricity is safeguarding vital resources such as medicines and perishable food items, preventing spoilage due to frequent power outages. Consistent access to potable water has become a reality because of the plant powering the water infrastructure. Additionally, consistent access to potable water has become a reality because of the plant powering the water infrastructure.
• • Environmental Conservation: The plant plays a vital role in preserving the local ecosystem and environmental health of the region. In fact, operations have eliminated the need for fossil fuels and averted the annual emission of 976 metric tons of carbon dioxide. With an anticipated life of up to 25 years, the plant is a prime example of sustainability, and its capacity for expansion aligns seamlessly with the evolving energy demands of the region.
• • Healthcare: Continued access to clean and reliable electricity also ensures the islands’ healthcare functions go uninterrupted and patient care can be prioritized. Now, medical equipment can remain operational, and healthcare services are bolstered, contributing to the overall well-being of the local communities.
• • Education: Enhanced internet connectivity, made possible by reliable electricity, not only empowers students to excel academically but also enables them to access educational resources, both within school premises and at home.
• • Tourism: The reliable power supply also catalyzes economic growth. Stable infrastructure to ensure the productivity and success of businesses, such as hotels and restaurants, can support the local tourism industry.

Additional Resources

• Meanguera del Golfo is accelerating the future of energy
• Meanguera del Golfo: A Year Later