The Argentine Republic is a federal state constituted by 23 provinces and one federal district. Each one of the Argentine provinces is also divided into administrative areas or departments.¹

Argentina adopts a Representative, Republican and Federal system of government.

Argentina is based on a Democratic and Presidential system of government. The National Constitution was enacted in 1853 and amended in 1860, 1898, 1957 and 1994. The suffrage is universal and obligatory for every citizen as from the age of 18. Each province, as well as the City of Buenos Aires, elect their legislators and governors by direct ballot. Moreover, provincial states organise and have their own Justice administration. The City of Buenos Aires is the first financial, political, and economic centre of Argentina.²

The Argentine Republic is located in the southern and western hemispheres with reference to the Equator and the Greenwich meridian, respectively. Argentina borders with Paraguay and Bolivia to the north, Brazil and Uruguay to the northeast, the Southern Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Chile to the west and south. The province of Tierra del Fuego, Antarctica, and the South Sandwich Islands engulf a continental area in the American continent, another in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands and South Georgias. These isles have been occupied by Great Britain since 1882.

Argentina also claims the overseas territory of Antarctica. The total area is 3,761,274 km².The continental area is 969,464 km², including the Austral Islands (South Orkney, South Georgia and South Sandwich). Argentina is the second largest country of South America.

The vast Argentine territory has a diversity of landscapes. To the west, Argentina has the rugged mountain regions, known as the Andes. Towards the east, it is completely plain or slightly undulated. The Argentinean pampas, originally treeless plains including the most productive agricultural sectors, stretches 1,600 km to the south of Chaco province (northern forests) and to the north of the Patagonia. The Patagonia, southern region of Argentina, has almost 1 million km² and is mostly arid with desolate steppes.^3,4,5

There are four major kinds of climate in Argentina: warm, mild, arid and cold. Temperatures decrease generally from the north to the south as a consequence of the difference of latitude. To the north, the weather is tropical while to the south it is cold and has similar characteristics to the north of Europe. In general, there are large temperature and climactic variations due to Argentina’s complex geography.⁶

According to the 2010 census, Argentina has a total population of 40,117,096; an average density of 14.4⁽ⁱ⁾ inhabitants per km²; the average annual total population growth rate is 10.6^o/_oo, the aging index is 40.2% (considering the population of 65 or more years, over the one which lies between 0 and 14 years), the crude birth rate⁽ⁱⁱ⁾ is 18.7^o/_oo, the crude infant mortality rate⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾ is 11.9^o/_oo and the masculinity ratio^(iv) is 94.8%.

The City of Buenos Aires, along with 24 administrative areas conforming what is known as Gran Buenos Aires, is one of the biggest cities worldwide. The 2010 Census shows that about one third of the population lives in this area, with a population of 12,806,866 inhabitants, about 2,890,151 of whom live in the Federal District.

Other major cities are: Córdoba (1,329,604), Rosario (1,193,605), San Miguel de Tucumán (548,866) and Mar del Plata (618,989).

Around 91.4% of the total population lives in urban areas.

Table 1presents the historical population data.^1,3,7

TABLE 1. INFORMATION ON POPULATION

*Total land area excluding Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands departments.

At present, the most important contributing sectors to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to the 2011 registry, are: Services, Industry, Agriculture and Livestock (including Hunting and Forestry) Construction, Mining, Electricity, Gas and Water Services, and lastly Fisheries. The Energy Sector decreased its participation with the passing of time. The fundamental reason is the decrease in energy exports, mainly hydrocarbons, which are expected to decrease in the future, and to be replaced with imports, especially oil and natural gas. The Services Sector is the biggest sector in the Argentine economy and it is expected to continue as the dominant sector in the future.

TABLE 2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

* PPP: Purchasing Power Parity.

** Value currently not available.

***Estimated value based on census 2010 with the World Bank growth rate

SOURCE: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS AND CENSUS http://www.indec.gov.ar

Argentina’s natural resources include oil, natural gas, carbon, and uranium. Beside Argentina is a self-sufficient country with an exportable surplus. During the last years, Argentina has brought its hydroelectric and nuclear development to a standstill in spite of its reserves and acquired technology. Also, reserves of fossil resources decreased considerably due to a lack of investment in registered and unplanned prospecting, mainly intended to attend the high growth in domestic demand and the regional market.

Since 2004, the National State has implemented a policy of a rational use of resources in a planned way, for sustenance in the future.

According to the last available National Energetic Balance (BEN) of 2011, approximately 86.6% of the total primary energy offer comes from fossil fuels, corresponding to 52.2% natural gas (NG), 33.2% oil, and 1.2% mineral coal. The rest comes from hydraulic energy (4.2%), nuclear energy (3.5%), and renewable resources as wood (0.8%), bagasse (1.2%), bio fuel (3.2%) and other primary resources (0.5%). This high concentration of hydrocarbons in Argentina’s primary energy sources (extracted from BEN Historical Series) is a main structural characteristic of the argentine energy net. Figure 1.1 shows the information about the evolution of the composition of primary energy.

Concerning the analysis of the National Energetic Balances for the period 1970-2011, significant changes can be observed related to the continuous replacement of oil with NG.

Other remarkable changes are related to the evolution of water/hydroelectric power and nuclear energy. From less than 1% in 1970, both sources have significantly increased their share. As of lately, however, the values given for 2011 show that the hydroelectric and the nuclear generation have been relegated because of the rise of thermal fossil generation. This trend is expected to revert with the entry into system of Atucha II NPP.

FIG 1.1. Composition of Primary Energy Sources 1970-2011.

Table 3 shows the total of energy resources in Argentina.

TABLE 3. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

*Solid, liquid: millions of tons; gas: millions of m³; uranium; tons of U; hydro water and other renewable: MW.

** Latest data available at 2011

For the coal reservoirs, the measured reserves of the Adaro Exploitation Plan were taken into account.

In the case of oil and gas, COMPROBADAS reserves of the country were taken into account.

In the case of uranium, reasonably ensured sources are taken into account along with those inferred measured as metallic uranium, corresponding to the regions of Sierra Pintada, Cerro Solo and small deposits.

In the case of hydroelectrical power, the gross theoretical potential technically exploitable is169,000 GWh/year, considering a load factor of 0.477.

Regarding renewable energy, the potential of geothermic sources, as well as wind and solar, are estimated considering a load factor of 0.3.

In the case of eolic energy, it only corresponds to identified projects.

All data is updated to December 2011.

SOURCE: 8,9

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS (EXAJOULE [EJ])

* Latest available data from the 2011 National Energy Balance from the National Secretary of Energy.

(1)Energy consumption = Primary energy consumption + Secondary energy net import (Import - Export)

(Excluding electricity and non-energy products). In previous versions of this document was only considered the primary energy consumption, so the data across the whole table was modified.

(2) Solid fuels including coal from the primary sector + net imports of residual coal and coal coke from the secondary sector.

(3) Includes domestic supply of oil primary sector + net imports of all liquid fuels in the secondary sector (excluding non-energy products).

(4) Includes domestic supply of natural gas primary sector + net imports of all gaseous fuels in the secondary sector (excluding non-energy products).

(5) Since 2010 the oils and biofuels, disaggregated in BEN, are incorporate to the “Other renewable” item.

(6) Includes the production of the primary energy sector.

(7) Since 1997, Argentina imports all the uranium that their power plants consume, totally interrupting domestic production.

(8) Since the turnaround occurred in net imports (IINN) during the last decade, the Geometric growth rate's formula does not reflect the behavior of the variable. Therefore, in this case, the formula applied, responds to the line's slope formed by the initial and final points of the period of the IINN: tc = (IN2011, IN2000) / (2011-2000).

In 1995, there was a severe fall in uranium prices in the international market. Thus, mining activities in the deposit of Sierra Pintada, province of Mendoza, were suspended (the only producing deposit in Argentina at that time) and the substitution of the local production by the import of concentrated uranium took place, which was transformed in the country.

During the last years, several laws have been issued with the aim of decreasing the use of fossil fuels and making a rational use of energy by suggesting a series of objectives, mechanisms of promotion, and recognising the importance of the participation of every energy source in the integration of the national energy mix.

The main goal is to diversify the matrix of power generation with a bigger participation from the nuclear, hydro, and renewable energies.

In accordance with this aim, in August, 2006, the reactivation of the nuclear sector is politically declared in the country.

The enacted laws related to achieve the proposed aims are mentioned as follows:

Law N° 25019: promotes solar and wind energy;

Law N° 26093: promotes biofuels and its sustainable use;

Law N°26190: National Development scheme for the use of renewable energy sources for electricity production;

Law N° 26123: promotes hydrogen as a fuel and energy vector;

Law N°26566: expresses the interest to extend the life cycle of Embalse NPP, and authorizes the creation of trust funds intended for that purpose and for the construction of a fourth nuclear reactor in Argentina. Moreover, the law states the construction of the CAREM 25 NPP as a matter of national interest, and puts CNEA in charge of it.

Uranium mining activity in Argentina had been paralysed, along with the rest of the nuclear plan, in 1995. As a consequence of the reactivation of the nuclear plan in Argentina, exploration activities have been reintroduced, along with quantification of uranium resources.¹⁰

As a result of the governmental policies applied between 1960 and 1990, the electrical sector has been characterised for its:

• Technological diversification of energy sources: use of hydroelectric resources and nuclear technology development, which has reduced fossil fuel rates from 93% in 1972 to 43% in 1994.

• The reduction of the consumption of oil derivatives in thermal plants: oil consumption in 1990 (1,440,000 toe

• ^(v)) can be compared to the beginning of the fifties in spite of the fact that energy produced by thermal power plants has been increased five times, as a result of the intensive use of natural gas.

• Electric Transmission and Distribution Systems: the rate of electrification is 95% in urban areas and above 86% at a national level.

• Low participation of self-generation in power supply: at present, its contribution is approximately 10%, compared to approximately 25% in the late sixties.

• A highly interconnected system which is also integrated.

• Beginning of electrical power interchange with Brazil in spite of the difference in grid frequency (50Hz in Argentina and 60Hz in Brazil).

It is important to highlight that during this period, global energy policy was almost exclusively stated by the National Government, with planning both in the short and long terms.

On the contrary, during the nineties, the electrical market was completely deregulated through Law N° 24065 and its reglamentary decrees. Through this law two organisms were created:

• The Regulatory National Entity of Electricity (ENRE): created as an independent organism within the Secretariat of Energy, with the aim of controlling the achievement of regulations on behalf of the agents of the market, by defending the interests of users.

• The Administrator Company of the Wholesale Electricity (CAMMESA): its aim is to administrate the operation of the Wholesale Electrical Marketand conduct the electricity scheduled dispatch. This company is constituted by the Association of Electrical Energy Generators of the Argentine Republic (AGEERA), the Association of Distributors of Electrical Power of the Argentine Republic (ADEERA), the Association of Haulage Contractors/Transporters of Electrical Energy of the Argentine Republic (ATEERA), the Association of Great Users of Electrical Energy of the Argentine Republic (AGUEERA) and the National State represented by the Secretary of Energy, each owning 20% of the total assets.

Under Law N°24065, the following changes were made:

• Privatization of the assets of the entire State-owned-thermal generation network.

• The concession to private companies of the operation of hydropower plants owned by the Federal Government, with the exception of the bi-national hydro power plants (Salto Grande and Yacyretá).

• The granting of the operation of networks in high voltage transmission, which is State owned.

• The granting of the State owned distribution networks.

• Grant the expansion of the three systems (generation, transmission and distribution) to private sector, guaranteeing free access for any new generator to the idle capacity of transport (both high voltage and medium, and low voltage distribution).

• Establish a dispatch system based on the minimum marginal cost of generation, and compensation to the generators given by the maximum marginal costs of the system.

At first, this policy generated an additional investment in NG. This situation, along with the low prices of natural gas, and the start up of major hydraulic projects which were to be concluded with the state’s commitment, caused a strong reduction in the wholesale prices of electric power allowance, making private investments in new facilities unattractive.That situation was particularly pronounced in the case of new nuclear and hydro projects, which required high capital costs and long recovery periods.

In addition, in December 2001 and through 2002, Argentina suffered a financial economic crisis, reducing electric power demand.

From 2003 to 2008, Argentina experienced a quick recovery of the industrial sector, along with a rapid growth of electric power demand. The market did not respond in a dynamic way and therefore a policy change took place. Thus, since 2004 the State has resumed its planning tasks, which were relegated to the private sector over the past decade, with the aim of guiding investments by only performing ones deemed necessary.

For this, the Secretary of Energy is focused on the solution of short term issues and on formulating and implementing a medium and long-termed Energety Plan (which is updated periodically) as a reference for private investors fundamentally based on the expansion of the system with a bigger participation in hydraulic, nuclear and renewable energies.

Regarding the long-term Energy Planning, the Secretariat of Energy, with assistance of the CNEA’s Strategic Planning Management and other institutions and agencies, developed the Strategic Energy Plan, for which the basic guidelines of two alternative energy demand scenarios were established, depending on the expected developmental possibilities of the economy and energy demand sectors in the coming years.¹¹

The Electric Sector

In 1992, by means of Law N° 24065 and its reglamentary decrees, a horizontal division of integrated state companies occurred. Generation, transport, and distribution were separated; thermal generators were privatised. Hydraulic generators, transport, and electric power distribution were franchised.Below is a breakdown of each of these divisions of the Argentine Electricity System.

Electric Power Generation

Argentina has a generation mix with three main sources, the main technology used is the NG combined cycle and during periods of extreme temperatures the NG is replaced with gaseous oil. Figure 1.2 shows the latest available information on the participation of each electricity generation technology.

FIG 1.2. Electricity Generation by Source.

The entity responsible for dispatching electricity is the Electricity Marker Corporation (CAMMESA), which prepares a merit order with the available generators by taking into account the marginal cost, which includes fuel and O&M costs. With these criteria, the despatching is carried out in order to meet the demand and necessary margins so as to keep the supply quality.

Considering that the aim is to meet demand at the lowest cost, consistent with an acceptable quality level of supply against foreseeable disturbances, within the limits of production, the operation of an electrical system requires coordination requirements not found in other systems.

According to the merit order, technologies dispatched first for base load: base hydro and nuclear power generation. Then, the conventional thermal fossil generation meets the variable demand, and finally the rest is dispatched. Meanwhile, hydro technologies of reservoir and gas turbines satisfy the peak demands. Figure 1.3 depicts a diagram of the daily schedule along with the applied technologies.

FIG 1.3. Diagram of the Schedule of Power Generation Technologies Dispatch.

As regards compensation, generators receive it by means of the energy delivered to the grid, available power and another payments related to the use of liquid hydrocarbons perceived by generators in replacement of natural gas in times of shortage.

In relation to the concepts mentioned, in recent years, the income of generation has been accompanied by energy supply contracts to WEM, designed to cover new investments. Beside, since 2008 the Law No26190 stipulate that by 2016, 8% of demand be supplied by electricity from renewable sources, and for that there are several incentives to promote it. Thus, the wind power plants have been incorporated into the generation system, and up to now, they total about 120 MW.

Transport

The transport of electricity is done in extra high (550kV), high (=220kV), and medium (33kV) lines.Transport in high and extra high tension is performed through TRANSENER, which operates the grid of national interconnection (500 kV) and is linked to 6 regional operators. In recent years, significant extensions to the network that forms the Argentine Interconnected System (SADI) at 500 kV were made, electrically linking the various country regions.Note: * Includes its independent carriers.

Figure 1.4 presents lines of length and voltage run by each of the electricity transport systems, by 2013.

Note: * Includes its independent carriers.

FIG 1.4. Energy Transport Companies, Line Type and Length of the Electricity Transport Lines.¹²

Distribution

Up to 2011, 61% of the distribution corresponds to provincial public services, some privatized and others belonging to provincial government and cooperatives. When analyzing the total invoiced to the end user, 65.6% are direct users of distribution, 11.5% correspond to direct users of cooperatives and other providers and 22.9% to users of the WEM, which means free users with contract.

Regarding the first percentage raised, the remaining 39% is distributed between private companies such as EDENOR (northern part of Gran Buenos Aires and the City of Buenos Aires), EDESUR (southern part of Gran Buenos Aires and the City of Buenos Aires), and EDELAP (city of La Plata and its outskirts).

Consumers

Users are divided within the electric market in accordance with their consumption level: large users (GUMA), small users (GUME), and particular users (GUPA).

As mentioned in 1.3.2, Argentina has an energy generation system with three main sources of energy; fossil, hydro, and nuclear power. Wind and solar energy are still relatively small.Table 5 and Table 6 present the main characteristics of the electric sector.

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

(1) Losses in the electrical transmission are not deduced.

* Last available data.

** The generation of Embalse NPP decreased because it is limited to 80% (520 MW) of output power, for its life extension.

SOURCE: STATISTICAL REPORT OF ELECTRICITY SECTOR. SECRETARY OF ENERGY.

TABLE 6. RELATION OF THE ENERGY RATES

* Latest data available.

(1) The energy consumption per capita, considering the domestic supply of primary energy per capita. For the population, the data were taken from the 2010 Census.

(2) As electricity consumption are considered the final consumption excluding own consumption of the processing sector. For the population, the data were taken from the 2010 Census.

(3) It is considered the production of electrical energy on the production of primary energy.

(4) Net imports/total energy consumption. Net imports are calculated as imports minus exports both for primary and secondary energy. Total energy consumption is calculated as the primary domestic supply plus secondary net energy imports.

Source: Reports from Electricity Sector and National Energy Balance - Argentine Republic.

In 1950, the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA, by its Spanish acronym) was created, with the firm intention of possessing and producing nuclear technology.

CNEA began the production of uranium, at a pilot scale, in 1952, and at an industrial scale, since 1964 up to 1997, when, due to the low prices and oversupply of the international uranium market, the production activity came to a halt in the San Rafael Industrial Mining Complex, in Mendoza province, operated by CNEA.

In the field of nuclear fuels, those necessary for all the experimental reactors were made in the country. These activities led to major milestones in the past, such as argentine research reactors, from highly enriched uranium (90%) to low enriched uranium (< 20%). In parallel, in the field of fuel elements for NPPs, their development can be mentioned for CNA-I and CNE NPPs, and for the eventual technological transfer to CONUAR S.A. corporation.

In line with the aforementioned, CNEA resumed uranium enrichment activities in Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex (CTP), strengthening gaseous diffusion technology, originally used during the eighties. This is expected to be used to produce enriched uranium to be applied in Atucha I and Atucha II NPPs. Additionally, research activities were undertaken along with activities to develop uranium enrichment advanced technologies, such as the use of centrifuge and laser ones.

CNEA since 1950 has achieved a constant advance in terms of technological autonomy related to nuclear reactors. In 1964, CNEA began the studies necessary for the construction of Atucha I NPP. This began in 1968 and, once finished, it started its commercial operation in 1974. A national participation of 36.7% of its total cost was reached, including 13% of electromechanic components. The construction of Embalse NPP began in 1974, reaching criticality in 1983 and connecting to the network in 1984. In late 1979, the construction of a third nuclear power plant of 700 MW_e with natural uranium and heavy water was under consideration with the same design and location of CNA- I. CNA-II was initiated in 1981 with scheduled operational date of July 1987. However, due to financial problems, the project was delayed when 81% of its construction was complete. Currently, CNA- II NPP has been finished and it is in the testing process system.

In the early eighties, CNEA presented the first conceptual design of a very low capacity nuclear power plant known as CAREM. Since it was created and until 2006, the design began its consolidation, by applying different levels of effort. The design was presented for the discussion in international areas, being recognised as one of the most innovative reactors able to be built for the next ten years. A 100/150 MW_e CAREM NPP CAREM reactor will be constructed in the country and upon a recent decision made by the Executive, its sitting will be in Formosa Province. Its feasibility studies will begin after construction activities for CAREM 25 are undertaken, which will set the basis for knowledge and experiences.

Regarding current spent fuels, their management consist of interim storage, under safe conditions which are permanently controlled in nuclear power plants. In CNA-I, they are stored in pools and in CNE, in storage silos.

Since its beginning, CNEA showed special attention on radioisotopes research and applications, and radiation in medicine, beginning to research about Biology and Medicine in 1952, and Radiobiology in 1957. One year later, in 1958, the Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine at Buenos Aires University (UBA) Hospital was created. In 1962 it became the Nuclear Medicine Center - CMN. As part of the efforts to develop nuclear medicine, in 1969, the Oncology Centre in Nuclear Medicine was created in the Institute of Technology Ángel H. Roffo within the framework of the same agreement between UBA and CNEA. In 1991, by an agreement between CNEA, the University of Cuyo and the Government of Mendoza Province, the non-profit Organization School of Nuclear Medicine (FUESMEN) was created.

Since its creation, in CNEA, the research and development equipment was built to be devoted to nuclear technology applications, to increase the competitiveness in different industrial, agricultural and livestock areas of Argentina.

CNEA has displayed a wide and successful research and development task (R&D) in physical sciences, chemistry, radiobiology, metallurgy, science and technology of materials and engineering. These activities are pioneering and have been oriented to acquire, produce and store knowledge so as to back the autonomous productive national development.

Also, CNEA has showed a strong commitment with the training of professionals and technicians at the highest academic level. Undergraduate and graduate courses in the areas of science and engineering of the Balseiro (IB), Sábato (IS) and Beninson (IB) Academic Institutes, created jointly with National Universities.

Over the last 60 years, CNEA has developed bases on multiple nuclear and technological activities. Taking into account the current Argentine needs and guidelines from the State set by the present government, in order to define institutional strategic objectives.

The importance of Safety and Environmental topics is worth to being mentioned, directly contemplated in institutional objectives which are prioritized as essential for the development of the Strategic Plan 2010-2019.¹³

Since August 30, 1994 through a governmental decree (No 1540/94), the nuclear sector has been reorganised, and thus nuclear activity has been divided into three entities: Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN), Nucleoeléctrica Argentina Sociedad Anónima (NA-SA), and the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA). They are responsible for the regulation, operation of facilities, and for research and development of the sector respectively. Before that division, every activity was developed by CNEA. Figure 2.1 shows the hierarchy of the organizations.

FIG 2.1. Organizational Chart of the National Nuclear Activity.

ARN assumed the responsibilities for regulating nuclear activities. Its function is to establish regulations on nuclear and radiological safety, and make regulations related with physical protection and the control of using nuclear materials. It is responsible for granting licenses, regulating nuclear facilities, and meeting international safeguards.

The main task of NA-SA is to operate nuclear power plants. At present, it is responsible for financing the construction of CNA II. The decree also binds NASA to paying an annual tax to CNEA and ARN for licence fees. The abovementioned decree was then formally substituted by Law N° 24084 known as the "National Law of Nuclear Activity" sanctioned by the Argentine National Congress in 1997 that came into force in 1998 (through the decree 1390/98). This federal law ratified CNEA original participation in the three entities and would legally allow the gradual/eventual NASA privatization through an international bid.

CNEA advises the Executive Power on the definition of the nuclear policy. As a R&D Institution, it performs activities connected to the nuclear area and human resources to work in it; it regulates decommissioning of the relevant nuclear facilities; carries out programmes related to nuclear NPPs, nuclear fuel cycle, radioisotopes applications and radiations; management of radioactive wastes and owns special fissionable radioactive materials.Figure 2.2 presents the diagram of fund sources of the three nuclear entities.

FIG 2.2. Cash Flow of Nuclear Activity.

Other nuclear entities are the associated companies with CNEA, created as commercial entities and devoted to production activities at an industrial scale. They are:

• INVAP SE.: Created in 1976 in Bariloche, by an agreement between CNEA and the Provincial government of Río Negro. This company is devoted to develop advanced technology in different areas.

• CONUAR SA.: Combustibles Nucleares Argentinos S.A. (Argentine Nuclear Fuels Company) was created in 1981. The industrial facility is located in CAE where uranium pellets are manufactured and the assembly of structural components to fabricate fuel elements for NPPs.

• FAE SA: Fábrica de Aleaciones Especiales SA (Special Alloys Industrial Company). It was created in 1986 and during its beginnings was devoted to producing Zircaloy tubes for the nuclear industry. It is located in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires, next to CAE.

• ENSI SE: Empresa Neuquina de Servicios de Ingeniería SE. It was created in 1989 through Law N° 1827 sanctioned by the Provincial Legislature. It operates the Heavy Water Industrial facility (PIAP) belonging to CNEA and commercialises heavy water at a reactor scale.

• DIOXITEK SA: It was created by the Executive Power in 1997 so as to guarantee uranium dioxide supply used in the manufacturing of fuel elements for CNA I and CNE facilities. It is a state-owned company. The industrial facility is located in the city of Córdoba and it began operating in 1982. Dioxitek SA became responsible for it since May, 1997 onward.

Figure 2.3 shows the technical relations and supply connections among CNEA, NA-SA, supplier companies and ARN.

FIG 2.3. Technical and Supply Links of the Nuclear Sector.^13-21

At present, around 5% of the electricity in Argentina is produced by two nuclear facilities, CNA I and CNE. They have a total installed capacity of 1005 MW_e and a net contribution of 935 MW_e.

During the period 1984-1990, nuclear participation represented around a 15% of the total generated electricity which has been gradually reduced owing to the extension of the installed capacity based on other technologies and the discontinuity of the nuclear plan which resulted in the halt of construction of CNA II. It is located next to CNA I.

While nuclear generation kept a normal dispatch since March 2011, Embalse NPP began limited operation at 80% (520 MW) due to preparation for its life extension.

In 2011, the process of implementation of Atucha II NPP began, which consists of testing and individual verification of each one of the 566 subsystems. It is expected that during 2013 the verification of each of the power plant’s sector performance continues. The conclusion will allow for its commercial dispatch.

CNA I:It is sited in Lima, Zárate, province of Buenos Aires, 100 km from the City of Buenos Aires. It is a pressurised heavy water reactor (PHWR), cooled and moderated with heavy water. Some particular characteristics of this reactor are that the fuel is LEU (0.85%) and it has online refuelling capability.

CNE: Chronologically, it is the second Argentine NPP and the largest Argentine reactor, with an electric nominal power of 648 MW.CNE is in Embalse de Río Tercero, province of Córdoba. It is a CANDU(Canadian Deuterium Uranium) reactor, with PHWR technology. Just like CNA I, refuelling is performed online. This NPP is also the third largest producer of cobalt-60 (Co⁶⁰), used in medical, industrial and research applications.

The main characteristics of the NPP under construction are described as follows:

CNA II: is sited in Lima, Zárate, province of Buenos Aires, next to CNA I. In the same way as its neighbouring NPP, CNA II is a PHWR, whose fuel will initially be natural uranium, following the original design.

In Table 7, the characteristics of the NPPs in operation and under construction are presented.

TABLE 7. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

+ Date, when performing the first major casting of concrete, generally for the base mat of the reactor building is done.

+ + Date of first connection to the grid.

* UCF (Unit Capability Factor) for the latest available year (only applicable to reactors in operation).Latest data available December 2011.

** The decline of the UFC of Embalse NPP is because the full capacity is limited to 80% (520 MW) due to life extension tasks.

SOURCE: 13,16,22

CNA I:Throughout its lifetime, different improvements in the facility design were implemented, such as: replacement of all fuel elements in fuel channels, construction of a second ultimate heat sink, construction of a second temporary SFP, and the modification of the third circuit, to accommodate for construction of CNA II. In 1996, the change of the original fuel design from natural uranium to using slightly enriched uranium resulted in a 40% reduction in the fuel consumption and around 30% cost reduction. This extended the time limit the SFP would reach its max capacity. At present, a feasibility study of a spent fuel element dry storage is being undertaken.

CNE: CNE is estimated to conclude its life time in 2014 and thus Nucleoeléctrica Argentina is developing its Life Extension Project. Currently, the plant is operating at 80% of its maximum capacity in preparation for the life extension. The objective of the project is to extend its lifetime up to another 25 years of a safe, trustworthy, and competitive operation. Additionally, it is expected to increase the electric power of the NPP approximately 35 MWe. In this context, CNE is developing actions linked with the facility life time management and has completed the analysis of life and ageing assessment for different NPP systems. The major working areas to be developed in the project are: revision of pressure and calandria tubes, feeder, change of steam generators, and repowering.

CNA II: From a design and construction perspective, CNA II has updated safety systems and concepts, including defence in depth with successive barriers, contention sphere, physical separation between safety systems and service surveillance programme. The schedule of the project consists of three stages: (1) resume the project (organisation, recovery of the infrastructure, engineering and contracts), (2) construction and assembly (at present under development), (3) NPP start-up/commissioning. The remaining design tasks will be performed by NA-SA, with the contribution of scientific and technological resources of CNEA and with the participation of other entities, national and international companies.¹⁶

The strategic nuclear Argentine plan includes the reactivation of the sector, from an energy point of view, through increased nuclear share in the electric mix and by revitalising the applications in the medical and industrial areas.

This reactivation is based on the knowledge and domain of disciplines of a high technical and technological level that place the country in a competitive worldwide context. Even though there was paralysis in some nuclear activities during the nineties, nowadays Argentina has a sector which transcends its own barriers and has managed to be known by the industrial and service sectors. Thus, it is forecasted that it is likely for Argentina to recover idle capabilities. Moreover, it is expected that it will prepare and train the necessary human resources that will bear the responsibility of continuing and improving the country’s nuclear development in order to supply present and future energy needs.

In 1999, Law N° 25160 was sanctioned, thus enabling CNEA to create the CAREM Project.

More details about the nuclear plan were announced on August 23^rd, in the speech delivered by the Minister of Planning, Public Investment, and Services, Julio De Vido. Main points of the speech are given:

“(...) This reactivation is based on two technical, pragmatic main points, which have a mere strategic content:

-In the first place, a massive production of nucleoelectric energy, (...)

-Second, nuclear technological applications to public health and industry (…).

“(...) As part of the plan, building activities of Atucha II NPP will be concluded and this NPP will be commissioned.”

As previously mentioned on 1.2.3., National Law N° 26566 was sanctioned on November 25^th, 2009 and enacted on December 17^th, 2009. This law regulates nuclear activities and enables:

• Extension of the operating licence and necessary tasks for CNE´s life extension.

• Beginning of previous studies for the definition of life extension of CNAI.

• Conclusion of construction, commissioning, and operation of CNA II.

• Beginning of preliminary feasibility studies to construct a fourth NPP.

• Design, execution, and commissioning of a CAREM prototype reactor.

As regards prospecting and exploitation activities, the plan entails the reopening of certain mining areas already developed in the past, as well as the incorporation of new reserves through prospecting.

At present, the stage of preparation of the enrichment pilot plant at the Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex is under development, in order to enhance enrichment by gaseous diffusion and the front end of the fuel cycle.

Given the prominence of LWRs worldwide, Argentina has undertaken feasibility studies to incorporate Gen III LWRs into its fleet. Adoption will enhance and optimize Argentina’s fuel cycle capabilities. Competition among suppliers is being promoted in order to achieve favourable technology transfer, economic, and financial terms, as well as component and critical supplies guarantees.

The incorporation of an enriched uranium reactor does not imply that natural uranium reactors have to be abandoned; however, they must complement each other.

CNEA has adopted a responsible attitude towards the environment and the prevention of environmental pollution, thus creating a Programme on Environmental Restitution of Uranium Mining (PRAMU) which sets the following objectives: ensuring environmental protection, health and other rights of present and future generations by making a rational use of resources. PRAMU, in that framework, intends to improve the present conditions of uranium mining tailings deposits by considering that even though at present they are under control, in the long term, different remediation actions have to be performed so as to ensure the protection of the environment and the public.

In December 2009, CNEA sent the Preliminary Safety Report (IPS) prepared by CAREM to the ARN, thus fulfilling all the necessary requirements to obtain a construction license. Entries suggested by the ARN are currently being analysed in order to meet the requirements for authorization of land use.

The nuclear energy generation proposal according to the strategic energy plan prepared by the Secretariat of Energy indicates that it is expected to incorporate 1500 MW of nuclear power by 2020, and another 1500 MW by 2030.

Is currently under evaluating the technology to be and it is estimated that by the end of 2013is will have the tender for international bidding.

Nuclear fuel cycle policy aims to close the cycle by adding the enrichment and reprocessing processes.

In accordance with National Law No 25018 “Management of Radioactive Wastes”, CNEA is responsible for supervising and treating wastes coming from any nuclear Argentine user, guaranteeing the final disposal of low, medium, and high level radioactive wastes.

Spent fuel elements coming from NPPs are highly radioactive but are not considered radioactive wastes. Thus, they are temporarily stored in spent fuel pools (SFP) and/or dry storage silos. In the case of CNE, spent fuel elements are deposited in SFP for 5 to 6 years and after that period, they are transferred to temporary dry storage silos located on site.

CNA I´s spent fuel elements (which are about 5 metres long), stay stored in the SFP since its original operation. At present, studies are being carried out in order to determine the feasibility of temporary dry storage.

CNEA guarantees temporary storage and treatment of radioactive waste in CAE (Ezeiza Atomic Centre). This includes medium and low level radioactive waste of any origin in Argentina, as well as spent fuel from research and commercial Argentine reactors.

According to the same federal law, CNEA is responsible for decommissioning and decontaminating any Argentine NPP at the end of its operating life.

Further, the “Fund for Radioactive Waste Management” is expected to be created. This fund would be destined for financing the National Programme of Waste Management with CNEA in charge, and would be established by contributions from radioactive wastes.

The National State makes financial contributions through CNEA for the National Programme of Radioactive Wastes budget until the regulation of this article of the law, since neither this fund, nor the percentage of the invoicing to NPP operators have been created.^13,16,23

Currently, the management of CNA II’s construction project (80% of the total work) is performed by NA-SA, while the technological support is given by CNEA. The management of the CAREM reactor prototype project is the responsibility of CNEA.

Main actors of the nuclear sector are mentioned in section 2.1.2.The private capital companies that presently provide services to the nuclear sector are the following Electro-Ingeniería S.A., Techint, TECNA, IEACSA S.A., INVAP S.E. and IMPSA. ^{20, 24-28}

Traditionally, Argentine NPPs were partially financed through their own suppliers, as was the case with German KWU for CAN I´s and Canadian AECL CNE. Additionally, these tasks received specific funds from the national state, including the “Great Electric Works,” as well as national treasury contributions. Argentina has only depended on its own suppliers as a private source of financing for its nuclear activities. Another source of financing activities in the nuclear area is remediation tasks of mining tailings. At present, they are performed with funds provided by the World Bank and carried out through the Programme on Environmental Remediation of Uranium Mining (PRAMU).

As regards the activities to develop the future of the nuclear area, the following sources are expected:

• Completion of CNA II: this project is divided into two major financial stages: Before interruption of activities: it was financed by German KWU and with specific state funds and contributions from the Argentine public treasury. After resumption of activities: with specific public funds and contributions from the Argentine public treasury, by means of a trusteeship named “Atucha II Completion Plan”. The National Government entrusted NA-SA with the direction, administration, and completion of the activities. Among other conditions, the following were established: “acts performed by NA-SA, through Atucha II’s NPP Management Department, which will be ruled by regulations and principles of private law”.

• Life extension and revamping of CNE: this project will be financed by the Andean Association of Promotion/Development, being the first case of an Argentine NPP financed by a multilateral entity.

• CAREM NPP: a trust administration agreement was signed between the CNAE and Banco de la Nación Argentina.

• Fourth and Fifth NPP: there is yet no decision regarding financing.

Additionally, National Law N° 26566, ruling nuclear activity, includes other financing options as follows: creation of a trust fund to construct a fourth NPP with one or two modules and creation of a trust fund to extend the life time of CNE: NA-SA is thus entitled to enter into the necessary agreements with the national public financial entities, whose selection will be done with the rules duly set forth by the Secretary of Energy.

Those trusts created will be made up of:

1. Contributions of the National Treasure with those annual sums of money provided by the Law of General Budget of the National Administration.

2. Resources coming from credit operations in the internal or external market. Those financial means which are most convenient can be requested subject to the provisions of the following Laws: Law N° 19328 (General Dispositions concerning Determination of the Policy or Level of Indebtedness), Law N° 24156 (Financial Administration and Control Systems) and Law N° 24354 (National Public Investment), as well as modified and complementary laws as long as they are not modified by the present law.

3. Resources owned by NA-SA, as well as those coming from special laws and those specifically assigned to this law with the aim to reconcile differences existing between future investments and resources coming from points a) and b);

4. Incomes made up of legacies or donations.

5. Funds provided by international entities or non-governmental organisations.

At present, the use of funds for CNEA´s investment projects through the Bank of Public Investment Projects (BAPIN) is expected, and those funds are part of the multi annual budget.

Other public sources not included in the above paragraphs are the following:public trust funds specially created for each case, regulation on financing with electricity fees/charges in the construction period, creation of other posts in electric power sales, creation of development Banks, regional focuses projects covering more than one country.

Other private sources: working in obtaining financing through international credit organisations such as the Inter American Bank of Development.^{13, 23}

Transport grids in the Argentine Republic are divided by voltage tension level. They are classified in extra high, high, medium, and low voltage tension. According to capacity, grids are operated by national haulage contractors (extra high tension voltage) and regional haulage contractors (high and medium tension voltage).Transport capacity of each line 500 kV is 1000 MWh. There are two lines of transmission between Argentina and Brazil of 500 kV, two lines between Argentina and Uruguay of 500 kV, one with Paraguay of 220 kV, and a line between Argentina and Chile of 330 kV.

Since the implementation of the Federal Plan, which has most of its stages completed, the energy ring has been closed as an initial step to achieve a meshed network.

SADI also counts on a dynamic protection system that responds before failures in transport and/or forced outages of generators.

At present, SADI depends on a reserve margin with limited availability to face demand peaks through generators management performed by CAMMESA. In the future, incorporations are expected to gradually improve this margin.^12,13

The fourth NPP is also expected to be built there since it is under license and the site has adequate cooling water capacity. The construction of a “Centre of Services provided for NPPs” is also expected.

CNEA has developed sitting studies on relevant nuclear facilities under the criteria recommended by the IAEA and considering local restrictions. For this purpose, it divided its studies in two groups of macro and micro localization. In the first, large regions are investigated to identify potential areas available, and to choose one or more candidate areas, through the use of Georeferenced Information Systems. In the second case, by different considerations, which include those related to security, the environment and the public, the areas are reduced until achieving a number of favorable sites, using multicriteria methodologies.¹³

From the beginning of nuclear activity in Argentina, in negotiations and the signature of agreements, beyond the provision of NPPs, it was expected that a comprehensive and complete programme of knowledge transfer from technology suppliers to the national nuclear sector would occur. CNEA is responsible for the construction of CAREM prototype reactor which has not begun yet and promoted the creation of national companies specialised in the nuclear area, essential for the Argentine nuclear programme, as mentioned in section 2.1.2, encouraging and monitoring their continuity.

Currently, in the maintenance, construction, and installation of NPPs CNE, CNA I and beginning of CNA II the following companies participated: Degremont S.A., Essener Hochdruck Rohrleistungsbau (HER), Mannesmann Analgenbau AG, Mellor Goodwin S.A., SADE SACIF construction engineering SA. At present NA-SA is responsible for concluding CNA II and the fourth NPP.

The companies participating in the construction and commissioning of CNA II are as follows:CNEA, NA-SA, AECL, ANDRITZ,AREVA, ASEA Brown Boveri, BHR-Electroingeniería SA, Blanco Montajes SA, CONUAR SA DIOXITEK SA DYCASA SA, E & E Power Plant Services ENSI SE, FAE SA, Henisa Sudamericana SA, IECSA SA, IMPSA SA, Indigo SRL, Ingeniería Integral, INVAP SE, KSBSA, Construcción Y Montaje Don Fierro, SCK, SOLENER SA, TECHINT, TECNA, Universidad de Pisa, Universidad Nacional de San Juan and Warner Saint Gobain.

Since 1994, operation of NPPs is NA-SA´s responsibility. These NPPs belong to the national state. Likewise, CNEA is the technical support of the NPPs. Main actors of the nuclear sector have been mentioned in section 2.1.2.

Commercial operations related to the sale of electric power are performed by NA-SA. CAMMESA is responsible for the administration and electric dispatch.

Decommissioning of NPPs, research reactors, and every radioactive facility is contemplated in Law N° 24804 governing nuclear activity. This law states that CNEA is responsible for documenting and decommissioning activities when nuclear facilities reach the end of their lifetime.

As regards research reactors, CNEA is responsible for their operation and providing information to execute the decommissioning plan, taking into account historic data of operation and waste flow generated.

NA-SA is in charge of the operation of the NPP as well as of the provision of information and the necessary funds for decommissioning, performed by CNEA.

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority is responsible for granting licenses for decommissioning and shut down. This is stated in rule AR 3.17.1: Decommissioning of NPPs.

As regards NPPs, CNEA is creating an agreement with NA-SA in order to carry out the Preliminary Plan of Decommissioning of CNA I and to participate in the performance of treatment tasks and component and structure management during the life extension of CNE. Technological developments are coordinated and performed at a lab level in order to decontaminate structures and components which are radioactive by using different techniques such as: polishing with abrasive means in vibratory containers and application of electrochemical decontamination. A lab to develop decontamination techniques is being assembled in Lima so as to provide technological assistance to CNEA´s projects and relevant nuclear facilities.

In order to reutilise structural components as non-radioactive elements it is necessary to negotiate before the ARN their classification as non-radioactive components.^13,15

Every activity of the nuclear fuel cycle is oriented towards satisfying the main objective of guaranteeing uranium reserves and supply in the long term for the current and future operation of the commercial and research NPPs.

The stages of the nuclear fuel cycle currently performed in Argentina are: uranium prospecting, conversion and purification, mining waste management, fuel element fabrication/manufacturing, and interim storage of spent fuel. Moreover, research and prototypical work is under way in the following stages of the cycle: uranium concentrate production, uranium enrichment, reprocessing of fuel elements and waste management.

For strategies of radioactive waste management, every activity is oriented towards guaranteeing the protection of the environment, public health and the rights of future generations in accordance with the regulations set forth by ARN, regulations at all government levels, as well as relevant international agreements.

The characteristics of the developed fuel stages cycle in are as follows:

Mining, Prospecting and Production: The Argentine Mining Code, sanctioned under the Law N° 1919, entitles CNEA to perform prospecting, exploration, and exploitation of nuclear minerals. CNEA performs prospecting and exploration activities in the following provinces: Salta (Santa Rosa, La Angostura, Piedra Colorada and Huayco Hondo in Vaquería mountain chain); Catamarca (Cerro Hoyada, San Buena Ventura, Istataco, El Portezuelo, Antinaco, Aguada del Médano and Real Grande); La Rioja (Donato IV and V and Miguelito I to IV); Chubut (Soledad, El Picahueso and El Curioso); Santa Cruz (Laguna Sirven).

Detailed exploration tasks and resource assessment take place in mineralized areas nominated as "manifestation of discovery" and "site". Among the first, there are Cuesta Vieja, in Salta province; Donato II, Bárbara I to V, Coco I and Alipán in La Rioja province, and Sierra Cuadrada Sur, Sierra Cuadrada, El Cruce, Mirasol Chico, La Salteada, La Meseta and Cerro Chivo in Chubut province.

Uranium deposit sites are listed by size and quantity of knowledge, in decreasing order: Cerro Solo, El Molino, Arroyo Perdido, El Ganso and Puesto Alvear. All of them are located in Pichiñan Este uranium district and in the Laguna Colorada site. Mina Franca and Don Otto are also listed.

Until March 2012, the estimated recoverable resources of uranium in control of CNEA in Reasonably Assured and Inferred categories at a cost of < US$ 130 Kg/U are 17,271 t/U, while the speculative resources total 13,810 t/U.

As regards the production of uranium concentrates, in Mendoza province, the San Rafael Industrial Mining Complex was brought to a standstill in 1995. CNEA is working in order to reopen the above complex and conducting waste management of transitory mining activities (quarry water, precipitates and solid waste, tailings and sterile).

Uranium Conversion: The conversion of uranium concentrate (U₃O₈ or ADU) to UO₂ is performed in DIOXITEK S.A. The nominal production capacity of the plant is 150 t of UO₂ per year, although in recent years it has reached a production of 175 t of UO₂ per year working outside normal operating hours to meet the requirements of Atucha II NPP. Currently, the concentrate is completely imported. Studies to increase the capacity to meet new requirements for the start-up of CNA II and the future NPPs, are being undertaken.

Uranium Enrichment: is an activity performed by CNEA in the Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex. Gaseous diffusion is currently used to enrich uranium, and under further development to reduce its energy footprint and optimize the facilities in which it takes place. Research is also being carried out to achieve enrichment by laser and ultracentrifugation.

Fuel Fabrication: The Factory of Special Alloys, FAE SA, is in charge of manufacturing Zircaloy rods and pellets used in the manufacturing of fuel elements, coming from imported trex tubes^(vi). The technology applied was developed in CNEA and is consistently updated. Stainless steel alloy, titanium, and incalloy products used in different NPP components are fabricated. Fuel element fabrication is performed by CONUAR SA. UO₂ pellets are fabricated and assembled for fuel elements of Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse NPPs. MTR research type and production reactor RA-3 are also fabricated. In late 2011, the delivery of the 451 fuel elements constituting the first core of the CNA II was completed. The fuel was manufactured by CONUAR S.A. and FAE SA, with the UO₂ produced by DIOXITEK and the engineering provided by CNEA.

CNEA has a plant for the fabrication of fuel elements for Research Reactors (ECRI) made up of four areas: fabrication of compacts, fuel rods, assembly of fuel elements, and quality control.

Temporary Storage of Spent Fuels: Temporary storage of spent fuel is performed in situ in NPPs. In CNA I, fuels are stored in pools, which contain all fuel since the beginning of plant operation. In CNE, storage is initially performed in SFP in order to be transferred to dry silos after 6 or 8 years of storage in the same site of the NPP.

Temporary storage of fuels of research reactors is performed in different ways depending on the reactor. Fuels of the RA-3reactor are stored in the Wet Interim Storage of Spent Fuels Deposit of Research Reactors located in the Management Area of Ezeiza (AGE) in CAE. Fuels from the RA-6reactor, located in Bariloche Atomic Centre, CAB, in Río Negro province, are temporarily stored in pools located on site. The facility that stores irradiated fuels of research reactors (FACIRI) is in licensing process and will be located in Ezeiza Atomic Centre, CAE. Its objective is to replace the existent facility in AGE, as a system improvement.

Reprocessing: CNEA conducts research on spent fuel reprocessing. At present, it has several pending or licensed facilities that would provide a lab scale experience of reprocessing. The following are some of the prominent facilities: the Lab for Postirradiation Assays (LAPEP), Hot Cells (CELCA) located in CAE and ALFA Lab located in CAC.

Radioactive Waste Management: Radioactive waste management is contemplated in Law No. 24804, in which CNEA´s responsibilities are described. Subsection “d” states that CNEA has to “exert the responsibility for managing radioactive wastes by fulfilling the tasks assigned to the specific legislation” and subsection “g” regulates that CNEA has to “exert the state property of special fissionable radioactive materials contained in irradiated fuel elements”. In article 16, ARN´s tasks are mentioned and its subsection “c”, licenses, permits or authorisations for facilities are granted for radioactive waste or waste management.

Law N°25018 establishes that CNEA is in charge of enforcing the law and establishes the "National Program of Radioactive Waste Management" (PNGRR) to carry out the necessary actions to give effect to the obligations listed in the Law. In order to achieve this, CNEA should produce a "Strategic Plan for Radioactive Waste Management" (PEGRR) and submit it to the National Executive, which after consulting the ARN, sends it to the Congress of the Nation (HCN) for its approval by Law. The PEGRR must be updated every three years.

CNEA developed the PEGRR project, which had been updated and approved by the authorities of CNEA in late 2012. This latest version was elevated to the Secretary of Energy to begin the evaluation process by the various agencies and then be sent to HCN.

As regards wastes produced by uranium mining, PRAMU is under development and its objective is to achieve the environmental restitution of those sites where activities related to uranium mining were developed. In the beginning, the restitution project will be financed with a loan from the World Bank. However, independently of the loan, different tasks of the project are carried out with CNEA´s financial means.

Policy for the Final Disposition of High Level Waste (HLW): The country has adopted classification of the new category set by the IAEA, based on considerations of long-term safety and disposal of radioactive waste. As regards the final disposal of HLW, during the eighties, CNEA began a feasibility study and engineering draft for the construction of a deep geological repository. Stable granite formations in low seismic regions with scarce hydraulic conductivity were searched. One of the possible options was in Gastre, province of Chubut, and studies to characterise the area were performed. The final report was duly handed in to the National Congress. As a consequence of the public opinion, studies were suspended in the locality, and thus it has not been possible to prospect other favourable regions in the country.^{13,15,16,18,19,21,29-38}

CNEA is a national institution oriented towards conducting R&D in every aspect related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Thus, CNEA fosters technologically innovative activities in the nuclear area and consequently performs development and transfer of new technologies in related areas, in this way has established the technological support in the Argentine nuclear system as one of its main aims.

Most of production activities, which were formerly performed by CNEA, are at present handled by private companies, with the exception of radioisotope production and equipment development and/or specific facilities. Most of CNEA facilities are located in the following sites: Headquarters (City of Buenos Aires); Constituyentes Atomic Centre (San Martín, Buenos Aires); Ezeiza Atomic Centre (Ezeiza, Buenos Aires); Bariloche Atomic Centre (San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro); Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex (Río Negro); San Rafael Industrial Mining Complex (San Rafael, Mendoza).

In the atomic centres and complexes projects are developed and administered on R&D, technology transfer and technical support.

Moreover, CNEA currently has four Regional Offices: Northwest, Cuyo, Centre, and Patagonia, whose missions are to carry out the exploration and prospecting of mineral resources of nuclear interests.^39-46

Facilities: Research reactors and operating production reactors are the following:

• RA-0 in National University of Córdoba, oriented towards educational use and nuclear diffusion.

• RA-1, in CAC, mainly used for research on irradiation damage, material and equipment assay, analysis through activation, and teaching.

• RA-3, in CAE, its main aim is to produce radioisotopes for medical and industrial purposes, research, and material assays.

• RA-4, in the University of Rosario, Santa Fe province. The main objective is to educate and communicate nuclear activity.

• RA-6, in CAB. The base activities of this reactor are teaching and training of employees, as well as research and development in a strict relationship with Balseiro Institute. In 2009, it was repowered up to 3 MW_th.

• RA-8, located in CTP, is a critical group designed for carrying out experiments related to the design of the CAREM reactor.

Argentina has experience in design, construction and assembly of experimental reactors, and up to the present day it has exported the following reactors¹³:

• RP-0 Training Reactor of zero power operating since 1978. It was sold to the “Instituto Peruano de Energía Nuclear” (IPEN, Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy) by CNEA.

• Research reactor, radioisotope fabrication and training of personnel, 10 MW RP-10 in operation since 1988. Sold to IPEN by CNEA.

• The 1MW multi-purpose facility NUR in operation since 1989. It was sold to the Algerian "Haut Comissariat pour la Recherche".

• 22 MW multi-purpose reactor ETRR-2 in operation since 1997. It was sold to the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (AEA).

• Radioisotope production facility with medical and industrial application located in Inshas, next to the ETRR-2 reactor. It was sold to the Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority.

• CENTIS radioisotope production and fractioning facility was inaugurated in 1995 in Cuban Republic with the collaboration of Argentina.

• A 20 MW reactor that produces radioisotopes supplies for microelectronic and research into materials, known as OPAL, in operation since 2005.

There are relevant facilities, with different purposes, as well as labs in different sites of CNEA, which are listed as follows:

CAB: Linear Electron Accelerator used for investigation and teaching purposes. Labs of Activation Analysis, Atomic Collisions, Metal Physics, Statistic Physics, Particles and Fields, Magnetic Resonance, Material Characterisation, Special Ceramics, Material Physicochemical, Nuclear Materials, Computer Mechanics, Metallurgy, New Materials and Devices, Process Control, Fuel Element Design, Physics of Advanced Reactors, Neutrons and Reactors, Nuclear Safety, Thermo hydraulics, Analysis by Neutron Activation, Radiological Protection, Chemical Cynetics, Electronic Developments, SIGMA and Isotopic Separation.

CAC: TANDAR Electrostatic Accelerator, Fuel Elements Fabrication Plant for Research Reactors (ECRI), Plant of Uranium Hexafluoride conversion to Uranium Oxide, ALFA Lab, Ceramic Core NPP, Analytic Chemistry Lab, Nuclear Chemistry Lab, Environmental Monitoring Lab (air management), and Labs of Colloids, Water and other Fluids, Structural Material Characterization, Condensed Matter, Cells and Solar Panels, Uranium Dioxide Characterization, Diffusion, Dosimeter Irradiation, Non Destructive Assays. Experimental Physics of Reactors, Lab Radar Dish of Synthetic Opening, Circuit of hydrodynamic assays of fuel elements.

CAE: Cyclotron for Radioisotope Production: production of radio drug 18 fluoride dioxide glucose (18-FDG) for the local market supply, Molybdenum-99 Fission Production NPP: capacity to produce the radioisotope Mo-99 and I-131 for supply the local market and export, Radioisotope Production NPP: conditioning, fractioning, and/or production of radioisotopes I-131,Mo-99,P-32, Cr-51, and Sm-153,andHf-181, Semi-industrial plant of Irradiation: provides advisory services, food irradiation, and disposable biomedical material for institutional, external and internal, clients, Management Area of Radioactive Wastes: Treatment Plant of Low Level Solid Radioactive Wastes, Contention System of Low Level Solid Radioactive Wastes, facility for Solid Disposal Radioactive Wastes, Structural and Canned Sources and the deposit Central of Special Irradiated Fissionable Material, Regional Reference centre of Secondary Patrons, Methodology Lab of Radioisotopes Applications, High Pressure Circuit for Mechanisms Testing (CAPEM). Labs of head, Enriched Uranium, Radiochemical Facility (LFR), Postirradiation Assay (LAPEP), Detector Physic, Analysis by Activation, Radiotracers Application, Radiopharmacy, High Pressure and Temperature (LENAP), High Doses Dosimeter, Handling/Management and Conservation of soils, Microbiology and Industrial Applications.

Located at the CAE site are industrial plants of two CNEA associated companies: CONUAR SA and FAE SA. Moreover, DIOXITEK SA operates the Co-60 Sealed Source Fabrication Plant meeting local demand and exporting sources with the highest quality standards, making Argentina the third exporter of sealed sources.

CTP: Plants of Uranium Hexafluoride Conversion, The Enrichment Uranium “Mock up” Pilot (by gaseous diffusion), Porous Membranes Fabrication, Fluorides Oils Fabrication, Fluoride Production and Labs of Analytical Chemistry and CAREM Reactor Development.^{17-19,21,47,48}

The associated medicine companies from which CNEA owns part of the stock are as follows:

• FUESMEN: headquarters in Mendoza province. Quasi public corporation. CNEA owns 33.33% of the stocks, Mendoza, 33.33% and University of Cuyo, 33.33%.

• Foundation Centre of Nuclear Diagnostic: CNEA owns 50% and FUESMEN, the other 50%.

The following are the companies and institutions related to CNEA:

• Investigaciones Aplicadas SE (INVAP SE), located in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, Río Negro province.

• Centro de Medicina Nuclear del Hospital de Clínicas “Gral. San Martín” (Nuclear Medicine Centre of the Hospital Gral. San Martín, located in the City of Buenos Aires.

• Oncological Centre of Nuclear Medicine of the Oncological Institute Dr Ángel H. Roffo, located in the City of Buenos Aires.

• Service of Radiotherapy of the Oncological Institute Dr Ángel H. Roffo.

Future additions to CNEA related facilities are the Center of Nuclear and Molecular Medicine construction in Oro Verde, Entre Rios Province. It is currently in the bidding process. In addition, in the 2013 budget of the Río Negro Province, the construction cost of the Centre for Radiotherapy and Nuclear Medicine, to be built in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche is contemplated.20,49,50

CNEA has organized its research and technological activities of scientific development in different fields. These activities involve advanced projects related to the nuclear activity and its applications, some of which are worth mentioning:

• Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares “CAREM”, development and construction of the prototype reactor of the first NPP with a complete domestic technology and design. The site will be Lima, next to the site of CNA I. At present, the tasks of engineering and implementation of the engineering software continue. The conceptual and basic engineering of B.O.P (Balance of Plant) is running, the execution of the electrical detail and power plant processes engineering was recently hired, and the components for test irradiation of fuel elements have been recently sent to the Halden’s rector, in Norway. It was also performed the launch of the High Pressure Circuit for Mechanisms Testing (CAPEM). In relation to the licensing of the reactor, the licensing process by the ARN in the context of the form called "Routine Practice Certification" continues. In late 2011 the Trust Agreement with Banco de la Nación Argentina was signed, to finance the project. It is expected that in late 2012 the Environmental Impact Study, commissioned to the National Technological University, Regional School Avellaneda, will be received.

• A new multipurpose research reactor, RA-10 for production of radioisotopes, is being projected. The conceptual engineering has been completed, and the basic engineering tasks have begun, through an agreement between CNEA and INVAP S.E. for joint development. In parallel, CNEA is working on the sitting that includes a preliminary assessment of potential sites for construction.

• Uranium Enrichment Project: its objective is to strengthen the technological capacity as regards the uranium enrichment through the gaseous diffusion technology. Research studies are being conducted by laser and ultra-centrifuge methods.

• Since 2002, Argentina has become the only country worldwide that has developed and implemented technology to produce fissile radioisotopes (such as Mo-99 and I-131) by using LEU.

• In order to optimize the transport of nuclear materials between different facilities, the CNEA’s Management of Nuclear Fuel Cycle designed a special package called DALMA 25, which will transport aqueous LEU solutions. The product obtained the quality certification issued by the ARN, which ensures compliance with national and international standards for the transport of radioactive materials by land and sea.¹³

The scope of international cooperation in the area of nuclear energy development and its application is very wide between the main entities that act in the Argentine nuclear sector and international companies, governments, and organizations. Such cooperation is promoted and carried out by CNEA, ARN, and NA-SA, which have a special linkage with IAEA. There are also special links with Latin American countries promoted in part by the OIEA, through the Latin American Project Area, denominated the ARCAL projects. Every year, CNEA has received an important number of foreign students and professionals, mainly from Latin American countries, Africa, and Asia, especially by scholarships awarded by the IAEA.

Specific links between the CNEA and the foreign associates exist in various areas of R&D activities.

On the other end, NA-SA has a special collaboration agreement with the Brazilian company Eletronuclear, sharing Brazilian and Argentine labour during the outages at the nuclear stations in Brazil and Argentina, as well as other issues of interest for both countries.

In the context of its regulating task, the ARN has a close and varied interaction with national and foreign organizations, governmental and non-governmental.

The training and coaching of young professionals and technicians is a permanent activity of CNEA. The Institution has more than forty years of experience in this area, and provides an important scholarship system which consists of two main types: stimulus subsidies for academic instruction and improvement scholarships for “training on the job”, within the framework of the “Learning by Doing Program”.

For the development of the intellectual capital and knowledge there are several institutions and venues:

• Three academic institutions: “Instituto Balseiro”, “Instituto Sábato” and “Instituto Dan Beninson”, created in association with national universities, where physicists, nuclear, mechanical and material sciences engineers are trained at degree and graduate levels, as well as specialists in reactors, radiochemistry, nuclear medicine and technological applications of nuclear energy. Recently the Balseiro Institute was nominated as “IAEA Collaboration Centre for the Development of Human Resources for Nuclear Technologies and their applications.”

• Two training centres in the health areas: the FUESMEN and the Nuclear Diagnosis Centre Foundation.

Due to the requirements associated to the termination and start-up of the CNA II NPP, NA-SA has opened a nuclear quality weld school, on the premises of the power plant.

On the other hand, the ARN maintains permanent control on the nuclear activities related to the training of staff. As a complement to these activities, the ARN also performs a yearly teaching program at a post graduate level in different areas.

Since December 2010, CNEA and ARN are part of the Latin American Network for Education and Training in Nuclear Technology (LANENT), Organized by IAEA. The institutions which participate in the network, dedicated to education and training of professionals and technicians in the Latin American region, can access important information to increase the specialized knowledge of the nuclear field.

With the same purpose of supporting education, training, and knowledge management in the nuclear field of IAEA Member States, in 2012 CNEA and IAEA signed in Vienna the “Practical Provisions”, thereby strengthening cooperation activities between both organisms. On the basis of these provisions CNEA will operate, as LANENT Regional Node, the "Cyber ??Learning Platform for Nuclear Education and Training (CLP4NET)" developed by IAEA. This has the support of the Technical Cooperation Regional Project RLA0048.^{13,15,16,51-53}

With the reactivation of the nuclear activity in the country, the imperious need to create communication strategies has arisen in order to offer society the necessary information on nuclear activity, underlining its permanent contribution to the wellbeing and development of the country. In this sense, long term strategies are being prepared and put into practice, within the frame of the development of the Strategic Planning of the National Atomic Energy Commission, in order to reach the political, corporate, professional, educational, and journalism levels, and in general, of opinion leaders, in order to achieve mass and effective circulation of the benefits of the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

For several years, specific communication programs have been executed, in reference to the management of radioactive waste and spent fuels, and the environmental restitution of the sites where past uranium mining related activities were performed. As part of the mentioned effort, a Technical Cooperation Project with IAEA is under development, which involves assistance in the definition of a Communication Plan, communicator training, and a series of activities.¹³

CNEA was created by Decree No 10936 in the year 1950. One of its defined specific functions was the control of the nuclear development activities in the country.

Later, different legal regulations determined the competence of the CNEA as Regulatory Authority in the area of radiological and nuclear safety, especially in the aspects concerning the protection of individuals and the environment with respect to the adverse effects of ionizing radiations, the safety of nuclear facilities, and the control of the use of nuclear materials. The main legal regulations corresponding to these aspects are Decree Law No 22498 of the year 1956 (“Organization of the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), the Application Authority”) ratified by Law No 14467 of the year 1958 (“Ratification Law of Decree Laws of the provisional government between September 23^rd. 1955 and April 30^th.1958”) and Decree No 842/58.

On the other hand, Decree No 842/58 approved and placed the “Regulation for the use of Radioisotopes and Ionizing Radiation” in force, with the goal to regulate the uses and applications of radioactive materials and the radiations they emit or emitted by nuclear reactions and transmutations, clearly determining that the CNEA would control the application and sanctions of those regulations. The use and regulation of X-ray generators was excluded from the competence of that standard, belonging exclusively to the area of the Ministry of Health.

Based on the above considerations, the Executive Power reorganized the nuclear system. To do this, with Decree No 1540/94 it created the "National Nuclear Regulatory Body", to which it assigned the functions of supervision and regulation of such activity.

Later, under Law No24804, which came into force in 1997, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) was created, as the successor of the aforementioned body. The ARN is directly dependent on the Argentine´s Presidency and has the power to regulate and control all activities with respect to nuclear radiation and nuclear safety, physical protection, security, and other aspects of non-proliferation. This law also states that the regulatory body has the legal capacity and complete autarchy to act in the field of private and public law. Its resources consist of regulatory fees and state funding. In the Article 16 establishes the roles and responsibilities of the ARN, authorizing it to issue regulations relating to radiological and nuclear safety, physical protection, and safeguards. This article also assigned to the ARN a number of functions related to nuclear and radioactive facilities. Law N°24804 also gives the ARN the necessary legal capacity to establish, develop and apply the regulatory rules of all nuclear activities in the country. In this regard, the Law provides that the regulation and oversight of nuclear activity is "subject to national jurisdiction".

The regulatory system considers licenses for the construction, start-up, operation, and final closing of nuclear facilities. With reference to the licensing of facilities, the ARN must approve the permission to start construction, and therefore it must demonstrate that the facility will not cause damage to the public or to the environment, backed by the due documentation. Therefore a prior Environmental Impact Evaluation (EIE) must be carried out.

The complete process of the EIE comprises the following essential steps: Preliminary Report (PR), Environmental Impact Study (EIS), Revision of the Environmental Impact Study (REIS), Public participation instance, Environmental Impact Declaration (EID).

Once the environmental license has been obtained, the EIE is delivered to the ARN with the aim to begin the proceedings to obtain the construction license. After that ARN provides the following licences^13,15:

• Commissioning: the licensee must appoint an ad hoc Commissioning Committee, constituted by senior specialists; this continuously evaluates the execution of the commissioning program and recommends its continuation. (Standards AR 3.7.1, AR 3.8.1 and AR 3.8.2)

• Operating: ARN authorises the commercial operation of a nuclear installation under stipulated conditions, which shall be fulfilled by the licensee (Standard AR 3.9.1).

• Decommissioning: safe dismantling is established, with the licensee in charge of planning and providing the necessary means for its fulfilment (Standard AR 3.17.1).

The Argentine legal and regulatory system contemplates different aspects from the ratification of international treaties for the peaceful use of nuclear energy to the different standards for the regulation and vigilance of the nuclear activity in the country.

Bilateral treaties and agreements for the pacific use of nuclear energy:

In 1991, a bilateral agreement was signed with the Federative Republic of Brazil, for the exclusive peaceful use of nuclear energy. In this way an agency was created “Brazilian – Argentine Accounting and Control Agency of nuclear material” (ABACC), and its essential objective is the implementation of a common system for the accounting and control of nuclear material, with the object to ensure no proliferation risks arise. The signature of the Agreement was executed between Brazil, Argentina, the IAEA, and the ABACC (quadripartite agreement) to consolidate the application system of safeguards presently in force in both countries.

Tlatelolco Treaty: Treaty for the Ban of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, approved by Law No 24272. Argentina adhered to this international treaty and, in this manner, committed to use the material and nuclear facilities under its jurisdiction exclusively for peaceful objectives, and to forbid and impede the use, manufacturing, production, possession, and dominion of all nuclear weapons in their respective territories, as well as the participation, in any manner, in this type of activity.

Non-Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons, approved by Law No 24448: Argentina is one of the signatories of the treaty in which it relinquishes the use of nuclear weapons.

In turn, the Argentine Republic has concluded cooperation agreements in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy with the following countries: Uruguay (Law No 17938), Peru (Law No 18255), Paraguay (Law No 18436), Bolivia (Law No 18814), Colombia (Law No 19505), Ecuador (Law No 21.896), Venezuela (Law No 22314), India (Laws No 22343 and 26766), Brazil (Laws No 22494, 24046, 24048), Chile (Law No 22886), Yugoslavia (Law No 23387), China (Law No 23712), Turkey (Law No 23.914), Indonesia (Law No 24161), Romania (Law No 24217), URSS (Law No 24253), Guatemala (Law No 24645), Canada (Law No 24.646), France (Law No 24.680), Thailand (Law No 24861), United States (Law No 24.862), European Community of Atomic Energy (EURATOM) (Law No 24869), Morocco (Law No 24.980), Costa Rica (Law No 24.981), Armenia (Law No 25285), Hellenic Republic (Law No 25.286), Vietnam (Law No 25.776), Bulgaria (Law No 25809), Australia (Law No 26014), Mexico (Law No 26771), South Africa (Law No 26770), Republic of Algeria (Law No 26765), Jordan (Law No 26767) and Saudi Arabia (Law No 26768).

In Appendix 1, the international, multilateral, and bilateral agreements signed by the Argentine Republic are mentioned.^13,54-58

National Laws:

Law No 1919: Mining Code. Approval. Enacted in 1886.The amending and complementary standards of the cited Act are listed in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=43797

Decree/ Law No 6673: Patents and Trademarks – Model or Industrial Design. Regulatory Standards. Enacted in 1963.Modified by the standards indicated in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=27687

Law No 17048: Nuclear Damage. Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Enacted and promulgated in 1966. Modified by Law No 22.455

Law No 21947: Convention on Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matters. Enacted and promulgated in 1979.

Law No 22455: Convention related to Civil Liability within the sphere of nuclear materials sea transport. Enacted and promulgated in 1981.

Law No 22507: Treaty concerning the Prohibition of Placing Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Massive Destruction on Sea and Ocean beds, and Underground beds. Enacted and promulgated in 1981.

Law No 23340: Treaty on Nuclear Weapons Test-Ban in the Atmosphere, in the Outer Space and in Submarine Waters. Enacted and Promulgated in 1986.

Law No 23620: Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials. Enacted and Promulgated in 1988.

Law No 23731: Conventions on the Immediate Notification of Nuclear Accidents and Assistance in case of Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. Enacted and Promulgated in 1989 by Decree N° 983/89.

Decree No 603/1992: Control system of sensitive exports and military material. Constitutes the National Commission for the Control of Sensitive Exports and War Material. Published in the Official Bulletin on April 14th. 1992. Modified by the standards indicated in: http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=12381

Law No 24272: Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean, adopted in Mexico in 1967, with the amendments introduced in 1990, 1991 and 1992 (Tlatelolco Treaty). Enacted and Promulgated in 1993. (Application Art. 70, National Constitution).

Decree No 1540/94: Reorganization of the National Atomic Energy Commission.Creation of the “Ente Nacional Regulador Nuclear y Constitución de la Sociedad Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A” Privatization Process. Enacted and Published in the Official Bulletin in 1994.Modified by the standards indicated in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=13030

Law No 24448: Treaty on Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (TNP). Enacted in 1994 and Promulgated in 1995.

Law No 24481: Patents and Utility Models and Regulatory Decree N° 260/96, Passed in 1995.The amending regulations of the Act are set out in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=27289

Law No 24776: Convention on Nuclear Safety. Enacted and Promulgated in 1997 (Application Art. 80, National Constitution).

Law No 24804 and Regulatory Decree 1390/98: National Law on Nuclear Activity. Functions. Regulation Criteria.Enacted and Promulgated in 1997. The amending regulations of the Act are set out in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=42924

Law No 25018: Radioactive Waste Management System. General Dispositions.Enacted and Promulgated in 1998by Decree 1222/98. The amending regulations of the Act are set out in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=53767

Law No 25022: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, accepted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, EE.UU.Enacted and Promulgated in 1998. The amending regulations of the Act are set out in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=53853

Law No 25279: Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Enacted and Promulgated in 2000. (Application Art. 80, National Constitution).The amending regulations of the Act are set out in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=63894

Law No 25313: Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages and the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damages (Modifies and complements the Vienna Convention approved by Law No 17048).Enacted and Promulgated in 2000. (Application of Art. 80, National Constitution). Entry into force in 2003.

Law No 25675: National Environmental Policy. Minimum Budget for Sustainable Management.Enacted and Promulgated in 2002.Modified by the standards indicated in:

http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=79980

Law No 25837: Agreements. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Enacted in 2003, promulgated and entry into force in 2004.

Law No 25842: Agreements. Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology. Enacted in 2003 and promulgated in 2004.Entry into force in 2005.

Law No 26566: Nuclear Activity.Enacted and Promulgated in 2009.

ARN has specific regulation in the following issues:

• Regulation for establishing an authorization system, responsibilities of the operator, inspection, and enforcement;

• Site selection and approval;

• Radiation protection, including protection of workers, public and environment;

• Safety of nuclear installations;

• Radioactive waste and spent fuel management, including storage and disposal;

• Decommissioning, including funding and institutional control;

• Mining and milling;

• Emergency preparedness;

• Transport of radioactive material.

Nuclear Regulatory Standards

And, the following standards are under analysis process:

SOURCE: NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITY. http://www.arn.gov.ar/

http://200.0.198.11/normas/index.htm

National Nuclear Safety Reports to the CONVENTION ON NUCLEAR SAFETY.

www.arn.gob.ar (Website of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority).

Law No 24804, 1997 (National Law of Nuclear Activity).

Decree 1390, 1998.

The International instruments within the nuclear field in which Argentina takes part and involve the National Atomic Energy Commission and other nuclear sector agencies are listed below:

I. TREATIES AND AGREEMENTS ON NON-PROLIFERATION OF NUCLEAR WEAPONS

Treaties and Multilateral Agreements

• Antarctica Treatment (Section V). Signed by the Argentine Republic on June 23^rd, 1961. Its duration is unlimited.

• Treaty Banning Nuclear Weapons Tests in the Atmosphere, in Outer Space, and Under Water (Moscow Treaty). It was approved by Law N°23340 later enacted in 1986 (Official Report^(vii) 2/IV/69), ratified and coming into force in 1969. Its duration is unlimited.

• Treaty on Principles Governing the Activities of States in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space, including the Moon and Other Celestial Bodies. It was approved by Law N°17989, in 1968 (Official Report 2/IV/69) and ratified in 1969. Its duration is unlimited.

• Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco). It was approved by Law N°24272, promulgated in 1993 (Official Report 14/XII/93) and ratified with exemption of the referred conditions in 1994 thus coming into effect in Argentina on that date. Its duration is unlimited.

• Treaty on the Prohibition of the Emplacement of Nuclear Weapons and Other Weapons of Mass Destruction on the Seabed and the Ocean Floor and in the Subsoil. It was approved by Law N°22507, promulgated in 1981 (Official Report 13/X/81) and ratified in 1983. Its duration is unlimited.

• Treaty on the Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT). The Argentine Republic adhered to it in Washington in 1995. It came into effect in Argentina on that date. Its duration is unlimited.

• Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). It was approved by Law N°25022, promulgated (Official Report 28/X/98) and ratified in 1998. Its duration is unlimited.

Bilateral Agreements

Argentine Republic and the Federative Republic of Brazil

• Agreement for the exclusive pacific use of nuclear energy (Guadalajara Agreement or Agreement SCCC). It was signed in Guadalajara (Official Report 24/XII/91) and ratified in 1991. Its duration is unlimited.

• Protocol on Privileges and Immunities of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency of Accountancy and Nuclear Material Control in Brazil. It was added to the before agreement in 1991, it was later approved by Law N°24048, enacted (Official Report 9/I/92) and ratified in 1992. Its duration is unlimited.

• Agreement on Immunities and Privileges of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency of Accountancy and Nuclear Material Control in Argentina. It was approved by Law N°24580 and then enacted in 1995 (Official Report 27/XI/95). Ratifying notes are still to be exchanged. Provisionally in force since October of that year. Its duration is unlimited.

• Statute of IAEA. In force in Argentina since May 2002 with its four amendments.

• Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of IAEA. Approved by Decree-Law N°7672 in 1963 (Official Report 29/XI/63), it was later ratified by Law N°16478 and then enacted in 1964 (Official Report 30/IX/64). Its duration is unlimited.

• Agreement between IAEA and the Government of Argentina. Through this agreement, the Agency will advise Argentina on carrying out a project related to an experimental reactor and a production reactor (RA-3 INFCIRC/62). Signed in 1964 within the framework of the Agency’s statute. It was amended by the Second Agreement of Property Ownership Transference (INFCIRC/62/Add.1), signed in Washington and in Vienna in 1965. Suspended application in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into force.

• Agreement on the project relating to the procedures for the delivery of irradiation equipment reached between the IAEA and the Argentine Republic (INFCIRC/128). Signed in 1969 as part of the Agency's Statute. Its duration is unlimited.

• Safeguards Transfer Agreement relating to a bilateral agreement between Argentina and the EE.UU. (for cooperation in the promotion and development of the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes) (INFCIRC/130). Signed in 1969. Its duration is unlimited. Application suspended by suspension Protocol signed in 1996 and entered into force in 1997, pursuant to the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement between the IAEA, the Government of Argentina and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for the assignment of a teaching reactor and an enriched uranium reactor (RA-4) for the same (INFCIRC/143). Signed in 1970.Its duration is unlimited. Application suspended by suspension Protocol signed in 1996 and in force since 1997, pursuant to the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement for the application of safeguards to nuclear power reactor facilities in Atucha (INFCIRC/168). Signed in 1972. Application suspended in 1994 under the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement on the application of safeguards (to 1 kg of plutonium) (INFCIRC/202). Signed in 1973. Application suspended in 1994 under the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement for the application of safeguards to nuclear power reactor facilities in Embalse NPP (INFCIRC/224). Signed in Vienna in 1974. Application suspended in 1994 under the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement for the Application of Safeguards (INFCIRC/250). Signed in 1977. As amended by the Agreement which modifies the former agreement in 1977 between the Government of Argentina and the IAEA for the Application of Safeguards (INFCIRC/250/Mod.1) signed in 1980 and in force since that date. Application suspended in 1994 under the entry into force of the Quadripartite Agreement.

• Agreement for the Safeguard Application in relation to the Agreement between the Government of the Argentine Republic and the Canadian Government for the Cooperation in the Development and Application of the Atomic Energy with Peaceful Purposes (INCIRC/251). Signed in 1977. Suspended application in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into effect.

• Agreement between the Government of the Argentine Republic, the Peruvian Government and the United States of America related to Enriched Uranium Transference for an NPP of Zero Power (RP-0) (INFCRC/266). Signed and come into force in 1978.

• Agreement for the Application of Safeguards in Atucha II NPP (INFCIRC/294). Signed and come into force in 1981. Suspended application in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into effect.

• Agreement for the application of safeguards in relation to the heavy water production NPP in Arroyito (INFCIRC/296). Signed and come into effect in 1981. Application suspended in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into effect.

• Agreement for the safeguards application to the heavy water supplied by the USSR (INFCIRC/297). Signed and come into effect in 1981. Its application was suspended in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into effect.

• Agreement for the safeguards application to nuclear material (uranium20% enriched) supplied by the USSR (INFCIRC/303). Signed and come into effect in 1982. Its application was suspended in 1994 in virtue of the Quadripartite Agreement coming into effect.

• Agreement of Supplementary Supply between the IAEA and the Governments of the Islamic Iranian Republic and the Argentine Republic to transfer enriched uranium (enriched to a 20%) destined for a research reactor from Iran (INFCIRC/97/Add.2). Signed and come into effect in 1988.

• Agreement between the Argentine Republic, the Federative Republic of Brazil, the Argentine-Brazilian Agency of Accountancy and Nuclear Material Control and the IAEA for the application of safeguards (Quadripartite Agreement). Signed in 1991, it was approved by Law N°24113, later enacted in 1992 (Official Report 7/IX/92) and ratified in 1994 thus coming into effect on that date. Therefore, the application of others agreements has been suspended referred to in the following section.

• Agreement for apply the Quadripartite Agreement in relation to the Tlatelolco Treatment and the TNP, coming into effect in 1997. It will be valid as long as Argentina is part of the Tlatelolco Treatment, TNP or Guadalajara Agreement (or SCCC Agreement).

II. CONVENTIONS AND REGULATORY AGREEMENTS OF NUCLEAR ACTIVITY

International Conventions

• Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Open for signature in 1963, it has come into effect in 1977. Argentina signed it in 1966. It was approved by Law N°17048 later enacted in 1966 (Official Report 16/XII/66) and was ratified in 1967. It came into force in 1977. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter. Signed in 1972, it was approved by Law N°21947, enacted (Official Report 9/III/79), ratified and came into force in 1979. Its duration is unlimited.

• International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea. Signed in 1974, it was approved by Law N°22079, enacted (Official Report 24/XII/79), ratified and coming into effect in 1979. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention relating to Civil Liability in the Field of Maritime Carriage of Nuclear Material. Signed in 1971. It was approved by Law N°22455, enacted (Official Report 6/IV/81), ratified and came into force in 1981. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material was open for signature in 1980. It came into force in 1987. Argentina signed it in 1986, and it was approved by Law N°23620, enacted in 1988 (Official Report 2/XI/88) and ratified in 1989, with reserves, thus coming into force in 1989. Its duration is unlimited. Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. It was approved by Law N°25313 promulgated in 2010 (Official Report 17/XI/10) and ratified in 2011. Its duration is unlimited.

• Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention. Opened for signature in 1988, it entered into force in 1992. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident. Entered into force in 1986. Approved by Law N°23731, it was enacted (Official Report 30/I/90) and enter into force in 1990. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency. Entered into force in 1987. Approved by Law N°23731, it was enacted in 1989 (Official Report 30/I/87). It entered into force in 1990. Its duration is unlimited.

• Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. Signed in 1989, it was approved by Law N°23922, enacted (Official Report 24/IV/91) and ratified in 1991. Entered into force in 1992. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on Nuclear Safety. Opened for the signature in Vienna in 1994, it entered into force in 1996. Signed in 1994. It was later approved by Law N°24776 and enacted (Official Report 11/IV/97), ratified and entered into force in 1997. Its duration is unlimited.

• Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management. Signed in 1997, it was approved by Law N°25279, enacted (Official Report 4/VIII/00) and ratified in 2000. Its duration is unlimited.

• Protocol to Amend the 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Signed in 1997, it was approved by Law N°25313, enacted (Official Report 18/X/00) and ratified in 2000. Its duration is unlimited.

• Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage. It has not come into effect (it has not been ratified by one country yet). Signed in 1997, approved by Law N°25313, enacted (Official Report 18/X/00) and ratified in 2000. Its duration is limited.

III. COOPERATION AGREEMENTS

Multilateral Agreements

• IAEA Statute. Signed in 1956, thus entering into force in 1957. It was approved by Decree Law N°5011 in 1957 (Official Report 22/V/57), ratified by Law N°14467,enacted (Official Report 29/IX/58), ratified and enter into force in 1958. Its duration is unlimited.

  First amendment (to Article VI.A.3) approved by Decree-Law N°6251 in 1963

  Second amendment (to Article VI.A.B.C and D) approved by Law N°19252 enacted in 1971 (Official Report 5/X/71). Effective in 1973.

  Third amendment (to Article VI.A.1) approved by Law N°23425 enacted in 1986 (BO 30/I/87). In effect since 1989.

  Fourth amendment (to Article VI and Article XIV Paragraph A) approved by Law N°25483 enacted in 2001 (Official Report 2001/11/27). Not entered into force yet.

• Agreement on Privileges and Immunities of the IAEA. Approved by Decree-Law N°7672 in 1963 (Official Report 29/XI/63) which was ratified by Law N°16478, enacted in 1964 (Official Report 30/IX/64). Its duration is unlimited.

• Supplementary Agreement Concerning the Provision of Technical Assistance by the IAEA to the Government of the Argentine Republic. Signed and in force in 1991. Its duration is unlimited.

• Agreement between the Government of the Argentine Republic and the European Community of the Atomic Energy (EURATOM) related to the pacific uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1996, it was approved by Law N°24869, enacted (Official Report 18/IX/97) and entered into force in 1997. Its duration is of 10 years and is automatically renewed by successive 5-year periods.

• Co-operation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL). Signed in 1998, it was approved by Law N°25842, enacted (Official Report 15/I/04) and ratified in 2004. It entered into force in 2005. Its duration is of 10 years and is renewed by successive 5-year periods.

Bilateral Agreements

• Saudi Arabia: Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2011, it was approved by Law N°26.768 enacted in 2012 (Official Report25/10/12/12). Its initial duration is 20 years, being automatically renewable for 10-year periods, unless either party notifies its intention to terminate it.

• Algeria: Agreement on Scientific and Technological Cooperation (specifically including nuclear). Signed in 1984, was approved by Law N°23424 enacted in 1986 (Official Report 26/III/87) and entered into force in 1987. His initial term was 5 years, automatically renewable for successive periods of 5 years.

  Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2008, it was approved by Law N°26.765, enacted (Official Report 25/10/12) and entered into force in 2012. It lasts 20 years. Possibility of renewal based on the agreement between the parties.

• Armenia: Cooperation Agreement on Pacific Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 1998, it was approved by Law N°25285, enacted in 2000 (Official Report 13/XII/00) and entered into force in 2001. Its duration is 5 years and it is automatically renewed by 5-year periods.

• Australia: Cooperation Agreement on Pacific Uses of the Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2001, it was approved by Law N°26014, enacted (Official Report 14/I/05) and entered into force in 2005. Its duration is unlimited.

• Bolivia: Cooperation Agreement on the pacific uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1970, it was approved by Law N°18814, enacted in 1970 (Official Report 23/X/70) and entered into force in 1971. Its duration is unlimited.

• Brazil: Cooperation Agreement for the development and application of the pacific uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1980. It was approved by Law N°22494, enacted in 1981 (Official Report 16/XI/81) and ratified in 1983. Its initial duration was of 10 years and it is automatically renewed by 2-year periods.

  Cooperation Protocol on the immediate notification and mutual assistance in case nuclear accidents and radiological emergencies should occur (Protocol No. 11). Signed and entered into force in 1986. Its duration is unlimited.

  Nuclear Cooperation Protocol (Protocol N°17). Signed and entered into force in 1986. Its duration is unlimited.

  Joint Declaration concerning the creation of the Argentine Brazilian Nuclear Energy Application Agency (ABAEN). Signed and entered into force in 2001. Its duration is unlimited.

  Joint Declaration on Nuclear Policy. Signed and entered into force in 2005. Its duration is unlimited.

  Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement for the development and application of the pacific uses of the nuclear energy regarding reactors, nuclear fuels, radioisotopes and radio drugs and radioactive waste management. Signed and entered into effect in 2005. Its duration is unlimited.

  Additional Protocol to the Cooperation Agreement for the development and application of pacific uses of nuclear energy in the regulatory and implementation areas. Signed and entered into force in 2005. Its duration is unlimited.

  Protocols of the Day of the Friendship. Signed in 2005. It includes the following cooperation items:

• Joint Declaration on nuclear policy.

• Additional Protocol regarding reactors, nuclear fuels, radioisotope supply and radio drugs as well as radioactive waste management.

• Additional Protocol in the regulatory areas and the implementation for nuclear regulations.

  Anniversary Joint Declaration ABACC. Signed in 2006.

  Joint Declaration February 2008. Signed in 2008. It sets the creation of the Binational Commission on Nuclear Energy; trains agencies to create a binational uranium enrichment company and conducts a Technical Binational Seminar in both countries.

  Joint Declaration signed in 2010. It highlights bilateral cooperation and the existing mechanism of safeguards and also highlights the commitment to disarmament and non-proliferation, and the achievements of the VIII Conference for the Review of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons

• Bulgaria: Cooperation agreement concerning pacific uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 2000, it was approved by Law N°25809, enacted in 2003 (Official Report2/XII/03). Its initial duration will be of 5 years, automatically renewed every 5-year periods.

• Canada: Agreement for the cooperation on the pacific uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1994, it was approved by Law N°24646, enacted (Official Report 28/VI/96) and coming into force in 1996. Its duration is of 30 years, it is automatically renewed by 10-year periods.

• Chile: Agreement on cooperation in the pacific uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1976, it was approved by Law N°22886, enacted (Official Report 14/IX/83) and entering into force in 1983. Its duration is of 5 years and it was renewed by annual periods.

• China: Agreement for the cooperation in pacific uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1985, it was approved by Law N°23712, enacted (Official Report 12/X/89) and entering into force in 1989. Its duration is of 15 years and it is automatically renewed by 5-year periods.

  Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Signed in 2010.

  Agreement for carry out the necessary studies for the future argentine fourth nuclear power plant proposed. Signed in 2011.

• Colombia: Cooperation Agreement in the pacific uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1967, it was approved by Law N°19505, enacted (Official Report 18/VII/72) and entered into force in 1972. Its duration is unlimited.

  Act for the Argentine - Colombian Integration. Signed in 1988.

  Protocol for Cooperation on Uranium Mining. Signed in 1988.

• South Korea: Agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1996, it was approved by Law N°24860, enacted (Official Report 16/IX/97) and entered into force in 1997. It is valid for 10 years and is automatically renewed every 5 years.

  Agreement on cooperation in the fields of energy and mining resources. Signed and entered into force in 2004.Its duration is unlimited.

  Memo of Understanding between the parties, on Cooperation in Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2010

• Costa Rica: Cooperation Agreement for the development and application of peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1992, it was approved by Law N°24981, enacted in 1998 (Official Report 15/VII/98). Its initial duration is 10 years, automatically renewed by 2 year successive periods.

• Cuba: Agreement on scientific and technical cooperation (specifically including nuclear). Signed in 1984, was approved by Law N°23.388 and became effective in 1987. Its duration is unlimited.

  Memorandum of Understanding on the cooperation in peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 2009.

• Ecuador: Cooperation Agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1977, it was approved by Law N°21896 enacted in 1978 (Official Report 03/XI/78) and entered into force in 1979. Its initial validity was of 5 years, and it was automatically renewed by annual successive periods.

  Memorandum of Understanding between the parties. Signed in 2008.Its initial term is 5 years with automatic renewal for successive periods of 5 years.

• Spain: Special Cooperation Agreement for the development and application of the peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed and entered into force in 1978. Its initial validity was 5 years, automatically renewed by 2 year successive periods.

• United States of America: Agreement on the peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1996, it was approved by Law N°24862, enacted (Official Report 17/IX/97) and entered into force in 1997. Its duration is 30 years.

  Agreement between the parties on cooperation to prevent illicit trade of nuclear and other radioactive materials. “MEGAPORTS”. Signed in 2010.In legislative approval process. It will last 5 years, automatically renewable for periods of 5 years.

  Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Energy of the United States on Cooperation in Clean Energy Technologies. Signed in 2010.

• France: Cooperation Agreement for the use of nuclear energy for exclusively peaceful and non-explosive purposes. Signed in 1994, it was approved by Law N°24647, enacted on (Official Report 1/VII/96), and entered into force in 1996. Its duration lasts 10 years, automatically renewed by 10 year successive periods.

• Greece: Agreement between on the cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1997, it was approved by Law N°25286, enacted (Official Report 13/XII/00) and entered into force in 2000. The duration is 10 years. It shall be automatically renewed on a 5 year basis.

• Guatemala: Cooperation Agreement between for the development and the application of peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1986, it was approved by Law N°24645, enacted in 1996 (Official Report 28/VI/96) and entered into force in 1997. This agreement was executed for a period of 5 years. It is automatically renewed on a 2 year basis.

• Indonesia: Agreement for the cooperation in the pacific uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1990, it was approved by Law N°24161, enacted in 1992 (Official Report 02/XI/92), and entered into force in 1993. This Agreement is executed for a period of 5 years and it shall be automatically renewed on a yearly basis.

• India: Agreement on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2010, was approved by Law N° 26766 enacted in 2012 (Official Report 25/X/12). It will last 20 years, being automatically renewable for successive periods of 10 years.

• Jordan: Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2009, was approved by Law N°26767 enacted in 2012 (Official Report 25/X/12). It will last 10 years, being automatically renewable for successive periods of 10 years.

• Libya: Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2008. Its initial term is 5 years, with automatic renewal for 5 years periods.

• Morocco: Cooperation Agreement on peaceful uses of atomic energy. Signed in 1996, it was approved by Law N°24980, enacted in 1998 (Official Report15/VII/98). It shall be initially executed for 5 years and automatically renewed on a yearly basis.

• Mexico: Agreement of Cooperation for the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 2002, was approved by Law N°26771 enacted in 2012 (Official Report 25/X/12) and entered into force in 2013. Its duration is 2 years, being automatically renewable for successive periods of 2 years.

• Paraguay: Cooperation Agreement on the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1967, it was approved by Law N°18436, enacted in 1969 (Official Report 19/XI/69) and entered into force in 1970. Its execution is unlimited.

• Peru: Cooperation Agreement on peaceful uses of nuclear energy. Signed in 1968, it was approved by Law N°18255, enacted (Official Report 18/VII/69) and entered into force in 1969. Its duration is unlimited.

• Romania: Agreement for the cooperation in the peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1990, it was approved by Law N°24217, enacted (Official Report 1/VII/93) and entered into force in 1993. It is executed for 10 years and renewed on a 5 year basis.

• Russia: Agreement for the cooperation in the peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1990, it was approved by Law N°24253, enacted (Official Report 18/XI/93) and entered into force in 1993. It was executed for 10 years and renewed on a 5 year basis.

  Joint Declaration with the State Corporation of Atomic Energy “ROSATOM” on the cooperation in the peaceful uses of the Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2008.

  Memo of Understanding with the State Corporation of Atomic Energy (ROSATOM), on cooperation concerning the peaceful uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2010.

  Agreement on the Cooperation Guidelines with the State Corporation of Atomic Energy (ROSATOM), within the framework of the peaceful uses of Atomic Energy. Signed in 2010.

  Memorandum of Understanding with the State Atomic Energy Corporation "ROSATOM" on Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2011.

• South Africa: Agreement for Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. Signed in 2008, was approved by Law N°26770 enacted in 2012 (Official Report 25/X/12).Its initial duration is 10 years, being renewable for successive periods of 5 years.

• Thailand: Agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1996, it was approved by Law N°24861, enacted in 1997 (Official Report16/IX/97) and entered into force in 1998. It was executed for 5 years and renewed on a yearly basis.

• Turkey: Agreement for the cooperation in peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1988, it was approved by Law N°23914 enacted in 1991 (Official Report 22/IV/91) and entered into force in 1992. It was executed for 15 years and renewed for 5 year periods.

• Uruguay: Cooperation Agreement on peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 1968, it was approved by Law N°17938 enacted in 1968 (Official Report 25/X/68) and entered into force in 1972. Its duration is unlimited.

  Memorandum of Understanding with the Eastern Republic of Uruguay. Signed in 2007. It shall be executed for 5 years and automatically renewed for 5 year periods.

• Venezuela: Complementary Agreement on technical scientific cooperation in the nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Signed in 1979, it was approved by Law N° 22314 enacted (Official Report 7/XI/80) and entered into force in 1980. It was initially executed for 5 years, automatically renewed on a yearly basis.

• Vietnam: Agreement on cooperation in peaceful uses of the nuclear energy. Signed in 2001, it was approved by Law N° 25776, enacted in 2003 (Official Report 16/IX/03). It entered into force in 2004. This agreement shall be executed for 10 years and automatically renewed for 5 year consecutive periods.

Main organisations, entities and companies previously mentioned in Section 2, appear as follows with the corresponding contact information.

⁽ⁱ⁾ The average density is 14.4 inhabitants/km², excluding Antarctica and South Atlantic Islands departments.

⁽ⁱⁱ⁾ Crude birth rate per 1000 inhabitants.

⁽ⁱⁱⁱ⁾ Crude infant mortality rate per 1000 live births.

^(iv) Number of men per 100 women.

^(v) Toe: Equivalent tons of oil

^(vi) Trex: Semi or heavy wall pipes that after their laminate give rise to fuel pods.

^(vii) Official Govermental Communications