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Explore Argentina's nuclear energy landscape, from pioneering reactors to future potential. Discover the environmental benefits and the country's role in the global nuclear energy transition.
What is Nuclear Energy?
Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus or central part of atoms, which consists of protons and neutrons. This energy source can be produced in two ways: by fission (when the nuclei of atoms split into several parts) or by fusion (when they merge).Nuclear fission is the method currently used worldwide to produce electricity from nuclear energy, while the technology to generate electricity from fusion is still in the R&D phase.
What is Nuclear Fission?
Nuclear fission is a reaction in which the nucleus of an atom splits into two or more smaller nuclei, simultaneously releasing energy.For example, when a neutron strikes the nucleus of a uranium-235 atom, it splits into two smaller nuclei, such as a barium nucleus and a krypton nucleus, and releases two or three neutrons. These additional neutrons will strike neighbouring uranium-235 atoms, causing them to split and generate more neutrons in a multiplying effect, thus unleashing a chain reaction in a fraction of a second.Each time this reaction occurs, energy is released in the form of heat and radiation. This heat can be converted into electricity in a nuclear power plant, in a process similar to that used to generate electricity from the heat of fossil fuels such as coal, gas, and oil.
Argentina and Nuclear Energy
Argentina has three nuclear power plants, all using natural uranium, with technology developed during the 1970s. However, there are conflicting opinions on several important aspects that determine the future direction of this industry.There are debates about whether to continue using natural uranium technology for power reactors, to discontinue it and replace it with enriched uranium plants, or even to eliminate the nuclear option entirely for future electricity supply.Meanwhile, for the past ten years, the country has been considering the purchase (still unfinalised) of one or two reactors of this type from China.
What is the Role of Nuclear Energy in Argentina?
With the current structure and installed capacities, Argentina does not need new nuclear power sources in the medium term (10 years).The country has sufficient gas to extract and export in significant quantities, as transition energy for the next two or three decades; replacing both coal abroad and liquid fuels in the country, and providing for the expansion of the national generation park.Electricity from the new nuclear sources currently under consideration would be several times more expensive than gas.In a few years, Argentina will know if it has its own technology for nuclear generation (CAREM), which would make the purchase of an imported reactor unnecessary.
Nuclear Power Plants in Argentina
Atucha I
The Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant has been supplying energy to Argentina since 1974 and is the first nuclear power plant in Latin America. It is located 100 km from the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, in the town of Lima, Zárate district. It currently has a gross electrical power of 362 MW and uses a mixture of natural uranium (0.72%) and slightly enriched uranium (0.85%) as fuel.The plant is cooled and moderated with heavy water (D20), and belongs to the PHWR type - pressurised heavy water reactor.The Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant has allowed significant savings in natural resources with less environmental impact, avoiding ozone layer destruction, atmospheric warming, and acid rain.
Atucha II
The Atucha II Nuclear Power Plant is a nuclear power plant with a gross power of 745 MW, using natural uranium and heavy water. It is located in the same complex as the Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant.The cornerstone of the Atucha II Nuclear Power Plant was laid in 1982 and, between 1994 and 2006, it was paralysed until the relaunch of the Argentine Nuclear Plan, promoted by the National Government in that same year.
Embalse (Córdoba)
The Embalse Nuclear Power Plant is the second to be built in our country in chronological order. It is located on the southern shore of the Embalse del Río Tercero, in the province of Córdoba, at 665 meters above sea level. The plant is located 110 km southwest of the City of Córdoba and 700 km from the City of Buenos Aires.The Embalse Nuclear Power Plant is of the CANDU type (Canadian Uranium Deuterium), belonging to the type of pressure tube plants, which uses natural uranium as fuel and heavy water as its coolant and moderator.At present, the Embalse plant is undergoing a life extension process to prolong its useful life by another 30 years. It is expected to be back in operation in 2019.
Nuclear Energy and Climate Change
Nuclear energy is a clean and safe technology that can significantly contribute to reducing Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions in Argentina and worldwide. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear energy does not produce carbon dioxide (CO2) or other polluting gases during electricity generation. In fact, this technology is one of the most efficient ways to produce energy, as a small amount of nuclear fuel can generate a large amount of electricity without emitting GHGs.The International Energy Agency estimates that nuclear energy can contribute about 20% to emission reductions in the global electricity system by 2050. Moreover, it can complement renewable energies, such as wind and solar power, which depend on weather conditions. Nuclear power plants, unlike technologies that rely on scarcely or unmanaged natural resources such as water, air, and solar radiation, deliver constant and stable energy to meet demand without emitting greenhouse gases.
