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El Salvador’s Nuclear Cooperation and U.S. Deportation Deals
Last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed a significant offer from El Salvador’s president, Nayib Bukele: the country is prepared to accept deportees from the U.S., including American citizens. This announcement coincided with a less publicized proposal from the United States for nuclear power cooperation.
El Salvador’s Foreign Minister, Alexandra Hill Tinoco, emphasized the importance of a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States, asserting that it would enable the country to generate electricity at competitive rates without being influenced by international political dynamics or fluctuating oil prices. “The expertise that the United States possesses in civil nuclear energy will equip us with essential tools to educate our personnel and industry experts, who will oversee the technical and regulatory frameworks of this unprecedented transition,” Hill Tinoco stated.
Rubio noted the nuclear cooperation agreement’s potential benefits before mentioning Bukele’s commitment to temporarily house deportees from the U.S. at El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a large facility designed to accommodate up to 40,000 individuals. Bukele indicated that the United States would pay a “relatively low” fee for this service, contributing to a sustainable prison system in El Salvador.
According to Edward Kee, a member of the Department of Energy’s Nuclear Energy Advisory Committee, this nuclear agreement represents a strategic benefit for U.S. national security. “Establishing a nuclear power plant is a long-term commitment. If a Central American nation opts for a reactor from Russia or China, it would present significant national security dilemmas for the U.S. in the region,” Kee said. He expressed concerns regarding the implications of such deals, as they often entail broader agreements between governments.
The United States remains the leading global producer of nuclear energy, contributing around 30% to the world total, as noted by the World Nuclear Association. Advocates for nuclear power argue that it is one of the most sustainable and dependable energy sources available, while critics raise alarms about its safety, ecological risks, and economic viability.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright under the Trump administration has indicated a commitment to increasing the production of nuclear power and liquefied natural gas. His nomination was well-received by investors, leading to a surge in energy stocks.
Before any major U.S. exports of nuclear materials and technologies, partner nations must enter into a 123 Agreement with the United States. These agreements focus on promoting shared goals related to nuclear nonproliferation and security. As of early February, the U.S. has established 25 such agreements, with partner nations including the United Kingdom and Norway. If signed, El Salvador would become the sole Central American nation to join this group.
In its pursuit of nuclear energy, El Salvador has also signed a similar agreement with Argentina. This effort comes during a period where smaller nations are increasingly finding opportunities to develop nuclear capabilities. Alfonso Blanco, former executive director of the Latin American Energy Organization, noted the emerging potential for small-scale reactors in countries with less established nuclear infrastructures. “Demonstration sites are crucial for these technologies, and El Salvador’s innovative approach could lead to job creation and local development,” said Blanco.
However, while the mega-prison is operational and can house tens of thousands, El Salvador’s nuclear ambitions are still in their early stages. Francisco Monaldi, director of the Latin America Energy Program at Rice University’s Baker Institute, suggests that nuclear development is unlikely to progress significantly while Trump is in office. “Realistically, we are looking at a long timeline before any of these nuclear plans become a reality,” he concluded.
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