The UT reports that hydroelectric technology was the main generator of the market last September.
56.6 per cent of the electricity consumed in September came from hydroelectric power plants, according to the latest energy market report published by the Transaction Unit (UT).
In September, the domestic demand was 593.05 gigawatt hours (GWh), lower at 4.25 GWh (0.71 per cent) compared to the 597.30 GWh consumed in August by Salvadoran households and businesses.
For four consecutive months, thehydroelectric is the main market suppliersince June it has doubled its market share from 33.47 per cent at the time to 56.6 per cent in September.
According to the UT, the hydroelectric plant contributed 358.5 GWh in September, 11.7 GWh (3.3 %) additional in relation to the 346.83 reported in August, when it accounted for 53.7 % of the demand.
Hydroelectric generation usually increases during winter when the reservoirs of the Guajoyo, Cerrón Grande, September 15, November 5 and February 3 are filled, operated by the Executive Committee Hidroeléctrica del Río Lempa (CEL).
Geothermal technology contributed 121.28 GWh in September, equivalent to 19.16 percent of demand and was the second largest generator on the market.
Thermals fall
Since the liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in May 2022 became the main generator during the dry season, covering a third of the demand.
However, in September it was relegated with 1.15 per cent when it contributed 83.26 GWh.
During the summer or when it rains less due to droughts, the thermal power plants are also taken, but the cost of generation is higher because they depend on the price of crude oil at the international level. According to the UT, in September these plants covered only 2.60 percent of the demand, with a contribution of 16.45 GWh.
The UT notes that solar energy covered 6.6 % of demand with 41.94 GWh, while wind contributed 1.97 GWh, only 0.31 per cent of demand. In addition, imports contributed 9.07 GW, 1.43 %.
In September there were no contributions of biomass generation because it depends on sugar cane harvesting, which starts next November.
The UT reports that the maximum power demand was recorded on September 16, at 4:00 p.m., with 1,151 megawatts (MW).
In September, the price of the megawatt was $86.08, the lowest value since October 2022.
This article has been translated after first appearing in Diario El Mundo