Author: Hugh Talley

Over the past several years, writing has become more than just a daily habit for me—it has become a way to reflect, to share, and to stay connected to both the past and the present.

Many of you know me through my blog, where I write about life here in El Salvador. But today, I want to take a moment to talk about something more personal—my books, the people behind them, and where this journey is heading next.

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My Books: A Story from the Inside Out

My book, Harmony of the Cosmos, is not just a story—it is a reflection of a lifetime of experiences, thoughts, and observations. It draws from my years growing up in Virginia, my time in the military, and ultimately, my life here in El Salvador.

It’s about listening—to life, to people, and to something deeper that we don’t always put into words.

Both the English and Spanish editions are now published and available on Amazon, which is something I am very proud of.

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The Spanish Edition: A True Collaboration

One of the most meaningful parts of this journey has been bringing the book into Spanish.

This was not a simple translation—it was a true collaboration.

Luz Madai Raudales spent time with me, not just translating words, but understanding the feeling behind them. She read, edited, and worked through the material with care and patience.

As a result, the Spanish version captures the same tone, emotion, and intent as the original. That matters to me, especially living here in El Salvador, where language is not just communication—it is connection.

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Why I Write the Blog

For those who follow my blog regularly, you already know that I cover a wide range of topics.

I write about:

• Current events and news happening in El Salvador
• Economic growth and development
• Travel, culture, and sightseeing
• Everyday life and personal observations

My goal has always been simple: to give a full and honest view of this country.

El Salvador is not just headlines—it is people, places, traditions, and daily life. I try to show both sides:

• What it feels like for locals
• What it feels like for someone like me—an expat who has lived here for over 15 years

There is real life here, and there is also a lot to enjoy.

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Looking Ahead: Bringing the Story to Video

Writing has been my main way of sharing, but I am now preparing to take the next step.

I plan to start creating videos for my blog and for daily life here in El Salvador, and to share them on YouTube.

These videos will give a more personal, visual look at:

• The places I visit
• The people I meet
• The experiences that don’t always come across fully in writing

It’s something new for me, but I believe it will add another layer to what I’ve been trying to do all along—share this life in a real and meaningful way. I will continue writing my blog just as I always have, with the videos serving as an additional way to bring these stories to life.

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A Personal Note

I’ve been retired for quite some time now, and I’ve spent the last 15 years building a life here in El Salvador.

This blog, my books, and now these upcoming videos are all part of the same journey.

Not just telling stories—but living them, reflecting on them, and sharing them with others who are curious, interested, or simply looking for a different perspective.

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Closing

If you’ve been following along, I appreciate it more than you know.

If you’re new here, I hope you’ll take some time to explore—both the blog and my books.

And as I move into this next step with video, I hope you’ll come along for that as well.

I’m planning to launch my YouTube channel by the end of May, and I’ll send a notification when it’s ready—I hope you’ll join me there as well.

Please feel free to like, comment, and share your thoughts. I always enjoy hearing from you.

And if you’re interested, Harmony of the Cosmos—in both English and Spanish—is available now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Get the Spanish edition on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXXK4FKX

Based on reporting from Diario El Salvador

A New Investment in Early Childhood Development

The municipal council of San Salvador Centro has approved funding for a new CAPI center. The early childhood care center will support children from their earliest days

According to councilor José Andrés Hernández, the project represents an investment of $770,280, fully financed by the municipality.

Hernández said the center is part of a broader commitment to build a city that invests in its future. He also stressed the importance of nurturing children’s development from the very beginning

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What Is a CAPI and Why Does It Matter

Under the Ley Crecer Juntos, municipalities must establish free public early childhood care centers. These centers serve children aged 45 days to 4 years. CONAPINA regulates these centers.

CAPIs are designed to provide:

• Loving, responsive care
• Early stimulation and learning
• Personal care and hygiene support
• Monitoring of growth and development

These centers provide safe, nurturing spaces for children and their families. This is especially true. These centers provide safe, nurturing spaces for children and their families. This is especially important in communities where access to early childhood services is limited.

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A Project Rooted in Community Impact

This is especially important in communities where access to early childhood services is limited. The new CAPI in San Salvador Centro will support children’s development. It will also help families who need reliable, high-quality care during working hours.

Hernández noted that the project is part of a larger vision for a more inclusive and opportunity-rich municipality.

He also highlighted that CAPIs may provide services to private companies or public institutions that request them, with fees applied as established by law. This creates a model that can expand access while helping ensure long-term sustainability.

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Partnerships to Support Families

To complement the new center, the municipality has formed partnerships with:

• Salvadoran Institute of Tourism
• The Secretariat of Women and Family

These partnerships will give families access to recreational spaces and activities that promote well-being, coexistence, and social integration in the historic center.

The goal is to help shape a more humane, family-friendly city—where development is not only economic but also social and cultural.

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A Step Toward a More Inclusive Future

The creation of this CAPI reflects a broader national effort to strengthen early childhood development—an area that research consistently shows has long-term benefits for education, health, and social mobility.

Organizations like the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean have noted that El Salvador has maintained steady economic momentum in recent years, supporting projections of continued growth into 2026.

For San Salvador Centro, this project is more than an infrastructure investment. It clearly shows the kind of city leaders want to build—one that protects children, supports families, and creates opportunity early.

If you find our stories helpful, please give us a like, leave a comment, and subscribe. Your support helps our blog reach more readers and keeps our community growing.

Our book, Harmony of the Cosmos, is available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Get the Spanish edition on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXXK4FKX

Regional Organization Confirms Positive Economic Trend

The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) has projected that El Salvador’s economy will grow by 3.3% in 2026. This aligns with the International Monetary Fund’s forecast from mid-April and falls within the Central Reserve Bank’s (BCR) estimate of between 3% and 3.5%.

For a country that averaged about 2% growth over several decades, this projection reflects a clear shift. In recent years, El Salvador has been sustaining a stronger economic performance, signaling a departure from its historical pattern.

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What Is Fueling This Growth?

ECLAC points to several key factors behind this positive outlook:

• Improved security conditions, which are reshaping the business environment
• Increased efforts to attract investment, particularly in construction, tourism, and export-oriented industries
• Strong economic performance in 2025, with GDP growth reaching 3.9%, providing a solid foundation for 2026

Taken together, these factors point to a broader shift. Investor confidence—both local and international—has strengthened, and the private sector is responding with action.

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Private Investment as the Main Engine

According to the BCR, private investment will be the primary driver of growth in 2026. This is supported by:

• A portfolio of more than $9 billion in private projects already underway
• Expansion of vertical housing developments
• Growth in commercial and corporate infrastructure
• Development of new logistics and industrial parks
• Continued investment in tourism and hotel complexes

This level of investment exceeds that of 2025 and highlights an important transition. El Salvador is moving beyond an economy driven mainly by consumption and remittances, and toward one focused on building long-term productive capacity.

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How El Salvador Compares Regionally

ECLAC’s broader report projects that Latin America and the Caribbean will grow by 2.2% in 2026, slightly below earlier expectations. The region continues to face challenges such as:

• A more complex global economic environment
• Geopolitical tensions
• Tight financial conditions
• Renewed inflationary pressures

Within this context, El Salvador’s projected 3.3% growth rate stands out as above the regional average, reflecting a resilience that is increasingly evident.

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A Break from the Past

The BCR notes that the projected growth rate for 2026:

• Exceeds the 2.5% average of the past three decades
• Surpasses the roughly 2% average since dollarization
• Outperforms the 2.3% average during the years of highest violence (2014–2018)

These comparisons matter. They suggest that the country is not simply experiencing a short-term boost, but is gradually moving away from long-standing structural limitations.

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A More Confident Outlook

ECLAC’s forecast reinforces what other organizations have been signaling: El Salvador’s economic outlook is becoming more stable, and the conditions for sustained growth are strengthening.

Improved security, rising investment, and a more favorable business climate are not only changing how the world views El Salvador—they are also reshaping how Salvadorans see their own future.

Watching these changes unfold day by day, this kind of report feels different. It is not just numbers on a page—it reflects a country steadily building confidence in its own direction.

If you enjoy reflections like this on life and change, you might also appreciate my book, Harmony of the Cosmos, available now on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Get the Spanish edition on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXXK4FKX

If our content adds value to your day, we’d appreciate a like, comment, or subscription. Every bit of engagement helps strengthen our online presence and share El Salvador’s story further.

El Salvador’s aeronautical industry is advancing through skilled talent, modern training, and international partnerships.

Based on reporting from Diario El Salvador, April 27, 2026

Some stories show more than just progress; they reveal a country moving confidently toward its future. The news that Aerocluster El Salvador has signed a major cooperation agreement with Expertise France, supported by the European Union, is one of those moments. It highlights an industry that is not just emerging but also expanding, with clear goals, a strategy, and strong international backing.

This is about more than aviation. It is about talent, opportunity, and long-term growth that can reshape a country’s economic future.

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A Sector That Has Become a National Engine

El Salvador’s aeronautical industry has become one of the most important in the Americas. It provides more than 10,000 jobs and plays a key role in the national economy. In 2025 alone, the sector exported approximately $400 million in maintenance and repair services—accounting for 6% of the country’s total service exports.

This growth is no accident. It reflects years of investment in safety, infrastructure, and technical capacity, along with companies operating to strict international standards.

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A Strategic Agreement for the Next Generation

To sustain this momentum, Aerocluster El Salvador and Expertise France signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under the European Union–funded LAMARR Project.

The goal is straightforward: develop advanced technical and digital skills for young Salvadorans, preparing them for high-value careers in the aeronautical sector.

This is more than a symbolic agreement. It includes:

• Follow-up mechanisms
• Periodic coordination meetings
• Biannual progress reports
• A structured training and selection process

The first calls for participants will be announced through Aerocluster and EU Delegation channels.

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Why This Matters: Talent as the Core of Competitiveness

Iván Navarro, president of Aerocluster El Salvador and CEO of AirSupport Group, emphasized that while geography and infrastructure matter, the true advantage lies in people.

“The better talent we train today, the greater El Salvador’s ability to consolidate itself as a competitive player in the regional aeronautical industry,” Navarro noted.

This reflects a global reality: modern aviation depends not only on infrastructure, but on highly trained technicians, engineers, and digital specialists who meet international standards.

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European Union Support: Investing in People

For the European Union, this agreement is part of a broader effort to support education, employment, and sustainable development in El Salvador.

EU Ambassador Duccio Bandini highlighted the need to match rapid industry growth with training programs that create real opportunities for young people.

This is development through empowerment—built on partnership rather than charity.

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A Transformative Opportunity for Salvadoran Youth

Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem described the agreement as a tool that can “transform the lives of young Salvadorans” by equipping them with future-ready skills.

In a country where many young people are seeking stable, well-paying careers, the aeronautical sector offers:

• Long-term career paths
• International certifications
• Competitive salaries
• A modern, technology-driven work environment

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A Broader Pattern of Aeronautical Expansion

This agreement is part of a larger national trend:

• Aeroman recently became the world’s largest aircraft maintenance center, with 65 production lines.
• El Salvador is increasingly recognized as a regional hub for aviation services.
• Improved security and stability are attracting long-term investment.

Together, these developments are positioning the country as a technical and logistical leader in Central America.

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A Future Built on Skills, Stability, and Global Partnerships

The agreement between Aerocluster and Expertise France is more than a memorandum—it is a roadmap for the next decade of aeronautical growth in El Salvador.

Focused on training, workforce development, and international collaboration, it reflects a country investing in its people as the foundation of its future.

If this momentum continues, the sector is expected to expand significantly, creating new opportunities and demonstrating what is possible for a small nation with big ambitions.

This is a moment worth watching—and one that suggests an even stronger future ahead.

A Personal Reflection

When I see stories like this, I think about how much has changed in El Salvador over the years I’ve lived here. Progress doesn’t always happen all at once—it builds step by step, through effort, vision, and the willingness to invest in people.

What stands out to me in this story is the focus on young Salvadorans. Giving them the skills to succeed in a modern, technical field like aviation is more than economic growth—it’s a pathway to stability, confidence, and a stronger future for the country.

These are the kinds of developments that don’t always make headlines beyond the region, but they should. They represent something real and lasting.

A Final Thought

If you enjoy following these stories of change and progress in El Salvador, I invite you to stay connected. Feel free to like, comment, and subscribe so you don’t miss future updates.

And if you’re interested in a more personal journey—one that reflects on life, experience, and the deeper connections that shape our path—I invite you to take a look at my book, Harmony of the Cosmos, available on Amazon in both English and Spanish.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Get the Spanish edition on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GXXK4FKX

How Do You Harness the Power of Volcanoes to Generate Energy?

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Introduction: Living in the Land of Volcanoes

El Salvador is often called the “Land of Volcanoes. This isn’t just a phrase—it’s a geological reality. Nearly 90% of the country’s land has volcanic origins, shaped by the Pacific Ring of Fire and shifting tectonic plates.

For many years, volcanoes were seen mainly as dramatic landmarks or potential dangers. Today, they are also recognized as a key source of clean, stable, renewable energy. Beneath their slopes lies a natural engine that powers homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses across the country.

This post looks at how volcanoes make geothermal energy possible—and why it matters to every Salvadoran.

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Why Volcanoes Create Ideal Conditions for Geothermal Energy

Volcanoes offer a direct window into the Earth’s interior. Beneath the surface, magma rises closer to the crust than in most parts of the world. This heat warms underground water trapped in porous rock, forming geothermal reservoirs—pockets of superheated water and steam.

These reservoirs are the foundation of geothermal power.

Young volcanic chains are especially important because their heat lies closer to the surface. Where that heat exists, clean and renewable energy becomes accessible.

In El Salvador, this is particularly evident along the Apaneca-Ilamatepec volcanic chain, stretching from Ataco to the Santa Ana volcano—one of the most active geothermal zones in Central America.

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Natural Signs on the Surface: Clues From the Volcanoes

Before any drilling begins, the land itself reveals where geothermal energy may be found.

Across the country—especially near active or recently active volcanoes—you’ll find:

• Fumaroles: vents releasing steam
• Ausoles: steaming ground and mud pots
• Hot springs: naturally heated pools
• Sulfur vents: evidence of volcanic gases

Places like Los Ausoles in Ahuachapán, El Tronador in Berlín, and Los Infiernillos in San Vicente are visible expressions of the intense heat below.

These natural signs help scientists map geothermal fields and identify the most promising drilling locations.

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How Volcanoes Make Geothermal Energy Possible

The concept is straightforward, though the execution is highly technical:

1. Volcanic heat warms groundwater deep underground.
2. The water turns into high-pressure steam trapped in rock layers.
3. Engineers drill wells—typically between 600 and 2,750 meters deep—to reach the reservoir.
4. Steam rises through insulated pipes to the surface.
5. It spins turbines that generate electricity.
6. The cooled water is reinjected underground, maintaining a renewable cycle.

This process repeats continuously, powered by the Earth itself.

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Where Volcano-Powered Energy Is Produced

El Salvador currently operates three main geothermal plants, all located in volcanic zones:

• Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant: 95 MW
• Berlín Geothermal Plant: 16.87 MW
• San Vicente Geothermal Plant: 5 MW

Together, these facilities supply about 19% of the country’s electricity, forming a critical part of the national energy system.

Exploration is also underway in San Vicente and Chinameca (San Miguel), where new volcanic fields show strong potential for future development.

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Why Volcano-Powered Energy Benefits Salvadorans

Clean and Renewable

Geothermal energy produces very low emissions, and because water is reinjected, the resource naturally replenishes itself.

Reliable Day and Night

Unlike solar or wind, geothermal plants operate 24 hours a day, year-round, unaffected by weather or seasons.

Reduces Dependence on Imported Fuels

Each megawatt generated locally reduces the need for oil, gas, or coal imports—strengthening national energy security.

Supports Jobs and Technical Expertise

Geothermal development creates skilled jobs, including:

• Geologists
• Engineers
• Drilling crews
• Plant technicians
• Environmental specialists

LAGEO has become a regional leader in geothermal expertise, even sharing knowledge internationally.

Stabilizes Long-Term Energy Costs

Once built, geothermal plants have relatively low operating costs, helping stabilize electricity prices for households and businesses.

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Volcanoes as Silent Partners in the Country’s Future

For many, volcanoes are simply part of the landscape—powerful shapes on the horizon. But in El Salvador, they are much more.

They are silent partners, providing a steady and reliable source of clean energy. For over 50 years, they have helped power the country—and they will continue to do so well into the future.

As exploration expands into new volcanic fields, geothermal energy remains one of El Salvador’s most dependable and unique strengths—a true gift from the land itself.

A Personal Note

Spending time here in El Salvador, you begin to see the land differently. What once looks like a quiet volcano on the horizon becomes something much more—a source of energy, life, and continuity.  I made a trip to the area in Ahuachapaun in 2012 with Elizabeth and her father, who has since passed. It’s a memory that has stayed with me over the years—standing there, seeing the steam rise from the earth, long before I fully understood the scale of what was happening beneath our feet.

Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate how much of what surrounds us goes unnoticed. The ground beneath our feet is not still—it is working, providing, and shaping the future in ways we rarely stop to consider.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to like, subscribe,& share your thoughts in the comments, and follow along for more stories about life and progress here in El Salvador.

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About My Book

If you enjoy reflections like this, you may find something meaningful in my book, Harmony of the Cosmos, available on Amazon in English and Spanish. It’s a personal journey through experience, observation, and the deeper connections that shape how we understand the world around us.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Take a look inside the quiet machinery that keeps El Salvador powered around the clock.

Introduction: Powered by the Heat Beneath Our Feet

In El Salvador, energy does not come only from dams, solar fields, or imported sources. A significant portion comes from something far older and deeper—the heat rising from within the Earth itself.

LAGEO, the state-owned geothermal company working alongside CEL, has spent decades learning to harness underground heat and convert it into reliable electricity.

Today, geothermal plants in Ahuachapán, Berlín, and San Vicente provide roughly 19% of the country’s power—running quietly, 24 hours a day.

This is how it all works.

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It All Begins Underground

El Salvador sits along a volcanic chain where magma lies relatively close to the surface. That heat warms groundwater trapped deep within rock formations, creating geothermal reservoirs filled with high-pressure steam and superheated water.

These reservoirs are the raw fuel of geothermal energy.

Reading the Land: Nature’s Clues

Before drilling begins, the land reveals what lies beneath.

Geologists look for natural signs such as:

• Fumaroles (steam vents)
• Hot springs
• Steaming ground

These surface indicators help map the underground heat system and guide where wells should be drilled.

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Drilling Into the Reservoir

To reach these geothermal fluids, LAGEO drills wells often deeper than 1,500 meters.

Think of these wells as industrial straws. They bring a mixture of steam and hot water to the surface through insulated piping systems, preserving as much heat and pressure as possible.

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Separating Steam From Water

Once the mixture reaches the plant, it enters cyclonic separators.

• Heavier water drops to the bottom.
• Lighter steam rises and moves forward.

This step is critical. Turbines require clean, dry steam to operate efficiently and safely.

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Final Moisture Removal

Before reaching the turbine, the steam passes through a moisture separator—its final purification stage.

Even small water droplets can damage turbine blades spinning at extremely high speeds, so this step protects the core equipment.

Turning Heat Into Electricity

This is where the real transformation happens.

Geothermal steam turbine generating electricity inside a power plant in El Salvador

The purified steam drives a turbine, spinning it at around 3,600 revolutions per minute.

That motion powers a generator, converting geothermal heat into electricity. The principle is similar to hydroelectric or thermal plants—but here, the energy source comes directly from the Earth itself.

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Cooling and Condensation

After passing through the turbine, the steam enters a condenser where it cools and returns to liquid form.

This step:

• Improves system efficiency
• Prepares water for reinjection
• Keeps the cycle closed and sustainable

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Powering the Nation: Transmission and Distribution

Electricity leaves the generator at about 13,800 volts.

Transformers then increase it to roughly 115,000 volts, allowing it to travel long distances across the national grid before reaching homes, businesses, and essential services across the country.

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Reinjection: Closing the Loop

The cooled water is pumped back underground to recharge the geothermal reservoir.

This reinjection process is what makes geothermal energy renewable. It maintains pressure, preserves the resource, and ensures long-term sustainability.

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Output: How Much Power Are We Talking About?

According to LAGEO’s current figures:

• Ahuachapán Geothermal Plant: 95 MW
• Berlín Geothermal Plant: 16.87 MW
• San Vicente Geothermal Plant: 5 MW

Together, these facilities form a steady, reliable backbone for El Salvador’s energy system.

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Why Geothermal Energy Matters

Geothermal power offers advantages that few other energy sources can match:

• Constant, 24/7 energy production
• Not dependent on weather or daylight
• Low environmental impact
• Local job creation and technical expertise
• Greater national energy independence
• A renewable cycle that sustains itself

Every day, more than a million Salvadorans benefit from this quiet but powerful system.

Conclusion: A Quiet Engine Beneath a Volcanic Land

Geothermal energy is one of El Salvador’s greatest natural advantages. It is a resource shaped by the country’s volcanic landscape and refined through years of engineering and experience.

Most of LAGEO’s work happens out of sight—deep underground and inside sealed systems—but its impact is everywhere.

It remains one of the most reliable, sustainable, and uniquely Salvadoran ways to power the nation’s future.

Below, I’ve included a slideshow from a visit I made to the area in 2012 with Elizabeth and her father, who has since passed. It’s a memory that has stayed with me over the years—standing there, seeing the steam rise from the earth, long before I fully understood the scale of what was happening beneath our feet.

Looking back now, it means even more.

If you enjoyed this post, feel free to like, subscribe,& share your thoughts in the comments, and follow along for more stories about life and progress here in El Salvador.

If you enjoy reflections like this, you may find something meaningful in my book, Harmony of the Cosmos. It explores a lifetime of experiences, quiet moments, and the deeper connections that shape how we see the world around us. Available on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

Based on local reporting from Diario San Salvador

A Step Toward Order in a Historic Neighborhood

The Mayor’s Office of San Salvador Centro has begun formal talks with street vendors working around Plaza San Jacinto, one of the capital’s oldest and most active public spaces.

The effort is part of a broader push to recover sidewalks and improve access in key urban areas. At its core, the goal is simple: make the city easier to navigate while bringing more structure to how public space is used.

This initiative falls under the ongoing “San Salvador Centro Seguro y Ordenado” (Safe and Orderly Center) program.

San Salvador Centro officials meet with vendors near Plaza San Jacinto as part of efforts to organize public spaces and improve pedestrian access.

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A Broader Strategy Taking Shape

City officials say this is not an isolated action, but part of a long-term plan.

According to Irvin Rodríguez, head of the Public Spaces Unit, the municipality is working step by step to relocate vendors currently operating on sidewalks into more organized spaces. The effort extends across all five districts of San Salvador Centro and reflects a consistent, citywide approach.

This aligns with a broader national trend that has become increasingly visible in recent years:

• Urban renewal
• Revitalization of historic districts
• Gradual formalization of informal commerce

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More Than Removal — A Transition

What stands out in this case is that the city is not simply clearing vendors from the streets. Instead, it is offering alternatives.

Vendors are being invited to join the municipal market system, which provides:

• Access to water and electricity
• Safer, regulated selling spaces
• More direct coordination with city authorities

For many vendors, this represents a significant shift. Street-based work often comes without basic services, security, or stable infrastructure. The markets offer a more structured environment that can support long-term stability.

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Voices From the Ground

The conversations around San Jacinto are not just administrative—they are personal.

Cristina Romero, a local vendor, sees opportunity in the transition. She notes that working on the street often means operating without essential services, while a market space can provide both support and stability.

Santiago Benítez offers another perspective. He points out that many people assume the municipality leaves vendors without options. In this case, he says, alternatives were clearly presented—challenging that perception.

These voices add an important layer to the story. They show that the process, while not without tension, is being framed as a dialogue rather than a confrontation.

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Why San Jacinto Matters

San Jacinto is more than just another neighborhood. It is one of the oldest areas in the capital, with a long-standing connection to daily life in San Salvador.

The plaza itself sees constant foot traffic and has long been a gathering point for both commerce and community. Over time, informal vending has become part of that identity—but it has also contributed to:

• Congested sidewalks
• Reduced pedestrian mobility
• Safety concerns

The current effort reflects a balancing act: preserving the human energy of the space while improving how it functions.

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Looking Ahead

This development offers a glimpse into what may come next across the capital:

• Continued meetings with vendors in other districts
• Gradual relocation into municipal markets
• Expansion of the “Seguro y Ordenado” initiative
• A stronger municipal presence in public areas

If the approach holds, it could lead to a city that feels more organized without losing the everyday rhythm that defines it.

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Why This Story Matters

Stories like this sit at the intersection of policy and daily life.

They are not just about sidewalks or regulations—they are about how people adapt, how cities evolve, and how change is negotiated on the ground.

In many ways, this reflects the larger transformation taking place across El Salvador: a shift toward structure and modernization, while still carrying the voices and realities of those who live and work within it.

If this piece resonated with you, I’d welcome your thoughts below. These conversations are part of what makes writing worthwhile.

And if you’d like to stay connected to these stories—and the deeper reflections behind them—consider subscribing.

Based on reporting from Diario El Salvador, April 24, 2026

A Moment That Reflects a Changing Country

El Salvador is moving through a period of visible transformation—something felt not only in public institutions, but increasingly within the private sector as well.

This week, Derecho y Negocios magazine hosted the Impact Companies – Tech Leaders 2026 event, recognizing 22 companies for their contributions to innovation, job creation, sustainability, and technological leadership.

Moments like this do more than hand out awards. They offer a snapshot of a country in motion—where progress is being shaped day by day by people and organizations choosing to invest in its future.

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Impact Companies: Growth That Reaches Beyond Business

The “Impact Companies” category highlights organizations working to strengthen the country in practical, lasting ways:

• Creating jobs
• Promoting sustainable practices
• Encouraging community involvement
• Innovating in products and services

Manuel Carranza, president of Derecho y Negocios, emphasized that these recognitions go beyond financial success. They reflect stories of risk, persistence, and belief in something larger than the bottom line.

He described El Salvador as being in “a different moment”—one where the world is beginning to take a second look.

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Tech Leaders: Building the Digital Path Forward

The “Tech Leaders” category focuses on companies helping position El Salvador within an increasingly digital global economy.

These organizations are:

• Applying advanced technologies
• Driving digital transformation
• Raising the country’s innovation standards

Their work is not optional in today’s world—it is essential. Competing globally now requires a technological foundation, and these companies are helping lay it.

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When Public and Private Efforts Align

One of the strongest themes throughout the event was the alignment between public and private sectors.

Luis Rodríguez of OPAMSS pointed out that many of the country’s recent advances are the result of collaboration—large and small investments working together toward shared progress.

Minister of Economy María Luisa Hayem outlined the broader environment supporting this growth:

• A stronger regulatory framework
• Continued infrastructure investment
• Improved physical and legal security
• A more stable business climate
• Growing international visibility

Together, these elements are creating something that has not always been present in El Salvador: confidence.

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The Role of Government in Shaping the Environment

The article from Diario El Salvador also points to the role of President Nayib Bukele’s administration in helping establish conditions that allow businesses to expand.

According to event organizers, recent policies have helped:

• Facilitate investment
• Strengthen economic conditions
• Improve national security
• Support private-sector growth

Government officials describe this period as marked by stronger economic performance and increasing investor confidence—factors now reflected in events like this one.

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What’s Driving This Momentum

A Growing Commitment to Responsibility

More companies in El Salvador are adopting models that go beyond profit, focusing on:

• Environmental sustainability
• Community development
• Ethical governance

This shift aligns the country more closely with global standards and strengthens its international reputation.

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A Rapidly Expanding Tech Ecosystem

El Salvador’s technology sector continues to grow, supported by:

• Emerging innovation hubs
• Rising international interest
• Government-backed digital initiatives

It’s no surprise that the “Tech Leaders” category is gaining importance—it reflects where the future is heading.

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A Changing International Narrative

Publications like Forbes, Bloomberg Línea, and Expansión have recently highlighted:

• Improved national security
• Growth in tourism
• A more favorable investment environment

These outside perspectives reinforce what is being recognized internally.

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A New Generation Stepping Forward

Alongside established companies, a younger wave of entrepreneurs is emerging across sectors such as:

• Fintech
• Logistics
• Tourism
• Creative industries

They are adding new energy and diversity to the country’s economic landscape—something that often signals long-term strength.

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Final Thoughts

Events like the Impact Companies – Tech Leaders 2026 ceremony are not just about recognition—they reflect a broader shift in how El Salvador sees itself.

What stands out is not only the companies being honored, but the environment that now allows them to grow.

There is a sense—steady, but noticeable—that the country is entering a new phase. One shaped by cooperation, innovation, and a shared belief that progress is not only possible, but already underway.

If this piece resonated with you, I’d welcome your thoughts below. These conversations are part of what makes writing worthwhile.

And if you’d like to stay connected to these stories—and the deeper reflections behind them—consider subscribing.

For those interested in a more personal exploration of this journey, my book Harmony of the Cosmos is also available on Amazon, in English or Armonia del Cosmos: Una vida en sintonia con el universo y una vision para el mañana, in Spanish.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

A New Cultural Chapter Begins in Parque Cuscatlán

Parque Cuscatlán will host the inaugural El Salvador Book Fair from April 24 to 26, 2026. Organized by the Ministry of Culture of El Salvador, the event centers on a simple but powerful idea: making reading accessible, welcoming, and meaningful for everyone.

Running daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., the fair is supported by the Ministry of Culture and the office of First Lady Gabriela de Bukele, reinforcing a national effort to bring literature closer to everyday life.

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A Three-Day Celebration of Books, Art, and Imagination

This is more than a book fair—it is a gathering built around connection, creativity, and discovery.

Visitors can expect:

• Meetings with writers and illustrators
• Poetry readings and storytelling sessions
• Talks, book presentations, and panel discussions
• Creative writing and illustration workshops

Each activity is designed to engage families, students, teachers, and cultural enthusiasts—inviting people not just to read, but to participate.

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More Than Books: A Full Cultural Experience

What sets this event apart is its integration of literature with the arts.

Attendees will also experience:

• Performances by the National Folkloric Ballet
• Shows by La Casa de Lula
• Music from the El Salvador Band
• Artistic interventions curated by the Ministry of Culture

Together, these elements transform the fair into a living cultural space—where stories move beyond the page and into performance.

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Interactive Corners That Bring Reading to Life

The fair introduces creative, hands-on spaces that invite visitors to experience books in new ways:

• Book exchange tables
• “Blind date with a book” selections
• A literary wishing tree
• The Bebeteca for young readers
• A Mobile Library delivering stories on wheels
• On-the-spot commissioned poetry

These features create an immersive environment where reading becomes personal, playful, and memorable.

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A Showcase of Salvadoran and International Publishing

More than 20 publishers, bookstores, and distributors from El Salvador and abroad will participate, offering a wide range of titles and highlighting Salvadoran voices.

For local authors, it is an opportunity to connect directly with readers—something that remains rare and valuable.

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Why This Fair Matters Now

As El Salvador continues to invest in public spaces and cultural institutions, this book fair reflects a deeper shift—one that places value on knowledge, creativity, and shared experience.

For families, especially those traveling from outside San Salvador, the event offers free access to books, authors, and educational resources. For children, it may be the beginning of a lifelong relationship with reading.

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A Personal Reflection from the West

Living in Ahuachapán, I have seen how stories move quietly through a community—passed from hand to hand, shared in conversation, or discovered in small, meaningful moments.

A child carrying home a book. A neighbor retelling a story. A quiet afternoon spent reading under a tree.

These moments remind me that reading is more than a skill. It is a connection—to ourselves, to each other, and to something larger.

In that sense, a national book fair is not just an event. It is a shared act of imagination.

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An Invitation to Rediscover the Power of Stories

If you find yourself seeking inspiration this April, consider a visit to Parque Cuscatlán for the first El Salvador Book Fair 2026.

It is an invitation—not just to read—but to listen, to explore, and to reconnect with the stories that shape us.

In many ways, this spirit of listening—to life, to memory, to the unseen rhythms around us—is something I explore in my book Harmony of the Cosmos. Like this gathering of stories in Parque Cuscatlán, it is an invitation to slow down and rediscover the deeper connections that guide us.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Harmony+of+the+Cosmos+Hugh+Conway+Talley

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