Meanguera del Golfo: a year later
August 20, 2024
Amidst a vast landscape surrounded by the Pacific Ocean a vision of progress stands today: the AES Meanguera del Golfo solar power plant of AES celebrating its first anniversary.
This project, born from the desire to transform the lives of the region’s inhabitants and harness the power of sunlight, has revolutionized the way we understand energy sustainability.
The story of this first anniversary is more than a simple commemoration; it is the testimony of the power of human determination and the use of technology to change the world. In this corner of the planet, the sun not only heats the Easth, but also lightens a path or the families who live in the Salvadoran isles of Golfo de Fonseca, making their future brighter.
What has changed in the isles in one year, after the inauguration of the first solar plant in the region, built under the model o distributed generation combined with batteries to offer this resource 24/7.
Ice cream and popsicles that tell stories
On the quite island of Meanguera del Golfo a ritual repeats itself every afternoon, right when the clock announces three. The doors of the small-town houses are open and a wave of children laughter flows on the streets. Children go enthusiastically to the local ice parlor.
The parlor, located on the corner of the main avenue, is a small, picturesque establishment decorated with colored lights and a large sign announcing its special flavors of the day.
Don Andrés, the business administrator, is ready for the whirlwind of children. “It’s the busiest time of the day, but also the most fun”, he comments with a smile.
A year ago, it was impossible to think that the isle would have an ice parlor. “In the past we could not invest in a business like this; power would fail for long periods of time and we would have lost our investment. Now, with the solar plant, we can be sure that our business will prosper and generate even more employment”, added Andrés Ortiz.
As the sun starts coming down, children slowly disperse leaving behind the last drops of ice and the laughter in the afternoon air. For Andrés, work does not end when closing the door. He must get ready or the next day: cruise in his small boat towards La Union port and acquire more ice cream and popsicles.
The sweet taste of energy
Since AES Meanguera del Golfo solar plant begun providing the energy that families need, birthday celebrations are no longer the same: Eating cake - something that is normal for most people- was impossible for the island’s inhabitants due to the climate and the distance to a confectionary.
Along the cobble stoned street and vibrant colored houses, a new jewel has emerged, capturing the heart of locals and tourists: the “La Brisa Dulce” [“The Sweet Breeze”] confectionary.
“La Brisa Dulce” is a dream became reality of Ana Grande, a talented pastry chef and baker, who after working in some restaurants in La Union, decided to return to her roots to open her own business. Inspired by the flavors and smells of her childhood in the isle, Ana decided to create a space where each bite would tell a story, and each cake would be an island culture celebration.
The bakery is perfectly integrated with the environment, with its wooden façade painted in pastel colors and an enchanting porch decorated with tropical plants. “Now that we have constant power supply, together with my daughter we decided to start this business. I believe that having good energy supply will encourage more people to open a business; ice parlors, hardware stores, and corner stores have already opened”, commented Ana.
Exploring new paths
In the quiet district of Meanguera del Golfo, where time seems to move at the rhythm of the waves that caress its beaches, a new chapter is being written in the life of Manuel Hernández, a small investor who thanks to the constant supply of power from the solar plant, has decided to bet for the future of his natal isle. In a corner where husbandry and fishing have been the main sources of livelihood, Manuel has opted for exploring less walked paths, searching to transform Meanguera through two businesses: a gas station and a potable water well.
With the help of a couple of friends and a small initial investment, both projects are under execution. “It was essential to have electricity to dare investing; I am not the only one, more investment projects are coming. No doubt this is an economic wake we are having,” commented Manuel while observing a boat arriving to the island filled with refrigerators and freezers.
That is how, a year after started, the solar plant has been a catalyzer of change for the local community; not only talking about electric power, but also in the economic, and social environments. Before building it, the region faced significative challenges with little economic growth opportunities. The arrival of the plant transformed this panorama. The local economy has experienced a rebirth with new businesses to satisfy the needs of the inhabitants.
The solar plant does not only light homes but has sparked a new age of hope and possibilities for the community. Its impact transcends electric power irradiating towards each aspect of the local life, assuring a future where progress and sustainability go hand in hand, transforming lives and causing a positive impact.