Argentina has natural resources such as oil, natural gas, coal and uranium. While the situation has been changing throughout history, Argentina has been one of the few countries self-sufficient in energy in the region, even counting with exportable surpluses. In the late 80’s and during the 90’s, Argentina paralyzed its hydroelectric and nuclear development, despite having a hydroelectric potential greater than the installed capacity and a nuclear power extensively developed at all the stages of the nuclear fuel cycle. Moreover, the reserves of fossil fuels decreased sharply, given the lack of investment in exploration recorded in the late 90's, and unplanned exploitation, intended primarily to supply the high growth of 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 2013, 87.2% of the total primary energy offer comes from fossil fuels. Also 52.7% corresponds to natural gas (NG), 32.9% to oil, and 1.6% to mineral coal. The rest comes from hydroelectric energy (4.4%), nuclear energy (2.3%), and renewable resources as wood (1.0%), bagasse (1.0%), bio fuel (2.8%) and other primary resources (1.3%). This higher concentration of hydrocarbons in Argentina’s primary energy sources is a main structural characteristic of the argentine energetic net. Figure 1.1 shows the information about the evolution of the composition of primary energy (extracted from BEN Historical Series).

Figure 1.1: Composition of Primary Energy Sources 1970-2013 in kTEP (Tonne of equivalent oil).

The analysis of the National Energy Balance for the period 1970-2013 shows significant changes linked to the progressive replacement of oil by natural gas, the latter assuming all increases and the former remaining almost constant over time. It should be noted that fossil fuels have remained throughout the period between 86.2% and 93.7% of the whole primary energy mix. Other notable changes are related to the development of hydro and nuclear energy. Since 1970, when hydroelectric generation represented only 0.5% of total sources and there was no contribution of nuclear energy, both sources have had a significant growth, representing in 2013, 4.4% and 2.3% of the primary energy, respectively. It is important to mention that the nuclear share will increase with the entry into operation of the planned power plants, as described in chapter 2.

Moreover, the category ‘Other Primary’ (in Figure 1.1) emerged in 1970 and it varied over time from 2.8% to 4.1% by 2013. Until 2007, it consisted of wind and solar energies, as well as various agricultural waste used as fuel, in addition to biofuels. Since 2008 biofuels began to be accounted separately, under the ‘Oil’ category. Finally the wood, bagasse and coal continue to have marginal values, as seen in the figure above.

Table 3 shows the total of energy resources in Argentina.

Table 3. Estimated Available Energy Sources

*Solid: Millions of Tons; Liquid: Thousands of m³; Gas: Millions of m³; Uranium: Tons of U; Hydro and Other Renewable: MW.

** In the case of Hydro power, the gross theoretical potential technically exploitable is 169,000 GWh/year, considering an average load factor of 0.477. Latest data available in 2011.

***Regarding Other Renewables, the potential of geothermic sources, as well as wind and solar, are estimated considering an average load factor of 0.3. In the case of wind energy, it only corresponds to the projects submitted to the Energy Secretariat since the total wind resource potential is much higher. Latest data available in 2011.

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

In the case of oil and gas, the proved reserves of the country until December 31, 2013, were taken into account.

In the case of uranium, reasonably ensured sources are taken into account along with those inferred measured as metallic uranium. Data from December 2014.

SOURCES: NATIONAL ENERGY BALANCE. NATIONAL ENERGY SECRETARIAT

RESERVES REPORT. ENERGY SECRETARIAT.

http://energia3.mecon.gov.ar/contenidos/verpagina.php?idpagina=3312

ELEMENTS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE 2008 - 2025 NATIONAL ENERGETIC PLAN (Partial review, April 2008). STRATEGIC PLANNING GROUP, ENERGY SECRETARIAT.

RESERVOIR AND EVALUATION DEPARTMENT. RAW MATERIALS EXPLORATION AREA, CNEA.

Table 4. Energy Statistics (Exa-Joule [EJ])

* Latest available data from the 2013 National Energy Balance from the National Energy Secretariat.

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

(Excluding electricity and non-energy products). In previous CNPP versions, only the primary energy consumption was considered, so the data across the whole table has been 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 incorporated in the “Other renewable” category.

(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.

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 other renewable energies.

With regard to the nuclear sector, in August 2006, the reactivation of the nuclear sector was 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: declares 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 was 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.

With regard to energy sovereignty, in May 2012 the law N° 26741 was sanctioned. It declares the achievement of self-sufficiency in hydrocarbons in the interest of the public, and the creation of the Federal Council of Hydrocarbons. The law also declares the creation of a public utility, subject to expropriation, 51% of the assets of YPF SA and Repsol YPF Gas SA, which was promulgated the next day and regulated by Decree 1277/2012 on July 25, 2012.

Moreover, in October 2014, Law N° 27007 (known as the New Hydrocarbons Law) was enacted, promulgated and published. This amends Laws N° 17319 and 25943 establishing, amongst others, the conditions for new tenders in conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, and in offshore areas.

SOURCE: Legal Information, CENTRE OF DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND PUBLIC FINANCE.http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/

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

• The 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⁽¹⁾) 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.

• The Electricity Transmission and Distribution Systems: the rate of electrification is 95% in urban areas and above 86% at a national level in the electricity transmission and distribution system.

• A low participation of self-production in the provision of electricity, compared to a value close to 25% existing in the late sixties.

• A highly interconnected system which is also integrated.

• The 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 1990s, 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 Market and 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 Energy Secretariat, 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.

• Granting 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).

• Establishment of 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 thermal fossil equipment needed to burn natural gas. This situation, along with the low prices of natural gas, and the start-up of major hydropower 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 the planning tasks relegated during the previous decade, in order to guide investment, assuming those considered necessary and which are not of interest to private investors.

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

Regarding the long-term Energy Planning, the Secretariat of Energy, with the 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. It is noteworthy that, every two years, an update is carried out.

SOURCE: ELEMENTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND DIAGNOSIS OF THE NATIONAL ENERGETIC PLANNING 2008-2025. Report on Advances. Version IV. STRATEGIC PLANNING GROUP.SECRETARIAT OF ENERGY. December, 2008.

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. Hydropower 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.

Figure 1.2: Electricity Generation by Source.

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.

Figure 1.3: Dispatch per Hour of Generation Technologies.

As for payment, the producers receive the following items according to resolution 529/2014, which updated the previous resolution (95/2013): a variable remuneration according to the energy delivered to the grid, a fixed remuneration associated with the available power, and an additional remuneration for effective income, derived from the electricity generated. In the case of thermal fossil generators, they also receive a remuneration of the Non-Recurring Maintenance according to the total energy generated by them.

In relation to the concepts mentioned, in recent years, the income of new generation has been accompanied by energy supply contracts to WEM, designed to cover new investments. Besides, since 2008 the Law N° 26190 stipulate that by 2016, 8% of the demand should be supplied by electricity from renewable sources, and for that there are several incentives to promote it. Thus, wind power plants have been incorporated into the generation system, and in December 2014, they totalled 190 MW.

Transport

The transport of electricity is done in Extra high (550kV), High (=220kV), Medium (up to 33kV) and Low voltage lines. According to its capability, networks are operated by national carriers (Extra High Voltage) and regional carriers (High and Medium voltage). 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.

Figure 1.4 presents lines of length in km and voltage run by each of the electricity transport systems, and the capacity (Figure 1.5) of transformers per region, in km, by 2014.

Figure 1.4: Energy Transport Companies, Line Type and Length of the Electricity Transport Lines.

* Includes its independent carriers.

Figure 1.5: Capacity of Transformers per Region in 2014 [km].

Regarding interconnections with neighbouring countries, there are two 500kV transmission lines between Argentina and Brazil, two 500kV lines with Uruguay, one of 220 kV with Paraguay and also a 330kV line with Chile.

From the implementation of the Federal Plan, the transport system has been strengthening through a mesh network configuration in almost all the same. The Patagonia region is the only one which still remains radially fed.

The SADI also has a flexible protection system that responds to failures in transport and/or the forced output of the generators.

SOURCE: CAMMESA Annual report, 2014

Distribution

As of 2013, 59% of the distribution corresponds to provincial public services, some privatized and others belonging to provincial government and cooperatives. The remaining 41% 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).

When analyzing the total delivered to end users (which is similar to the final consumption of electricity users), 65.5% are direct users of distribution, 11.6% correspond to direct users of cooperatives and other providers (e.g. city councils) and 23.0% to users of the WEM, which means free users with contract.

Consumers

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

SOURCE: SECRETARIAT OF ENERGY

http://www.energia.gov.ar/contenidos/verpagina.php?idpagina=3784

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.

* Latest available data.

** Although both the capacity and the production of electricity from Other Renewable energy has been increasing since 2000, they have been negligible in comparison to the other technologies until 2013, so a growth rate for the period between those years cannot be calculated.

Note: The generation from Embalse NPP decreased because it is limited to 80% (520 MW) of output power, due to preparatory work in lifetime extension.

SOURCE: STATISTICAL REPORT OF ELECTRICITY SECTOR ENERGY SECRETARIAT.

Table 6. Energy Related Ratios

* Latest data available.

(1) The energy consumption per capita considers the domestic supply of primary energy per capita plus the net imports of secondary energy per capita. For the population, the 2013 value was taken from the demographic data projected from the 2010 Census.

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

(3) The production of electrical energy over 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.

SOURCES: Reports from Electricity Sector and National Energy Balance - ENERGY SECRETARIAT ARGENTINE REPUBLIC.

In 1950, the Argentine 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, from 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 the Mendoza province, operated by CNEA.

In the field of nuclear fuels, those required in the country for all argentine experimental reactors were made. In this sense, one of the last achievements occurred has been the award of the contract to manufacture the fuel of the research reactor RP10 of Peru, by the IAEA to a joint proposal from the INVAP state company and CNEA. Similarly, in the area of fuel elements for nuclear power plants, its development for Atucha I (Presidente Juan Domingo Perón), Atucha II (Presidente Dr. Néstor Carlos Kirchner) and Embalse nuclear power plants can be mentioned, as its technology transfer to CONUAR S.A.

In line with the aforementioned, CNEA resumed uranium enrichment activities in Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex (CTP), strengthening gaseous diffusion technology, originally used during the 1980s. This is expected to be used to produce enriched uranium for the 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.

CNEA has made steady progress in terms of technological autonomy related to nuclear reactors. In 1964, it began studies necessary for the construction of Atucha I. This was launched in 1968 and, once finished; its commercial operation began in 1974, with a national share of 36.7% of its total cost, including the 13% of electromechanical components. The construction of the Embalse Nuclear Power Plant 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. The construction of CNA-II was initiated in 1981 with scheduled operational date of July 1987. Between 1994 and 2006 when 81% of the construction was complete, the project was delayed, until the relaunch of the Argentine Nuclear Plan done by the President Néstor Carlos Kirchner. The reactor went critical for the first time on June 3, 2014 and began the nuclear start-up stage since July, supplying power to the national grid until reaching a value close to 75% of rated power, in December 2014.

Moreover, in the early 1980s, CNEA had already developed the first conceptual design of a very low capacity nuclear power plant, based on a light-water reactor with passive and redundant safety systems, known as CAREM (Argentine Power Plant of Modular Elements).

From 2007 the activities resumed, with a strong governmental impulse, thereby allowing the establishment of CAREM project’s reactivation policy, for which CNEA created the structure to carry it out.

In December 2013, the award of the contract for the provision of the CAREM-25’ pressure vessel to the Pescarmona Metal Industries company (IMPSA) was signed, and then in February 8, 2014, the civil works started. Subsequently, it is planned a change of scale while retaining the original design plans, and also to build a CAREM nuclear power plant of approximately 120 – 150 MWe in the province of Formosa.

On July 18, 2014, Argentina and the China signed a cooperation agreement, and another of implementation for the construction of the fourth nuclear power plant (Atucha III). This will consist of a CANDU reactor, with a capacity of approximately 700 MW, and will be built in Atucha Nuclear Complex in Lima, Buenos Aires, which comprises all the licensed land for possible construction of nuclear power plants.

Regarding current spent fuels, their management consist of interim storage, under safe conditions which are permanently controlled in nuclear power plants.

From the beginning, CNEA showed special attention in the research and application of radioisotopes, as well as in the use of radiation for health, starting with research in the field of biology and medicine in 1952, and radiobiology in 1957. One year later the Laboratory of Nuclear Medicine at the Hospital of the Buenos Aires University (UBA) was created, which in 1962 became the Nuclear Medicine Centre (CMN). In 1969, the Oncology Centre in Nuclear Medicine was created at the Angel H. Roffo Institute of Technology, under the same agreement between the UBA and CNEA. In 1991, by agreement between CNEA, the University of Cuyo and the Government of the Mendoza Province, the Foundation School of Nuclear Medicine (FUESMEN), located in the city of Mendoza, 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, were created jointly with National Universities.

Over the last 64 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 mentioning, and is directly included in institutional objectives which are prioritized as essential for the development of the Strategic Plan 2010-2019 and its update and revision (2015-2025).

SOURCES: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

NA-SA NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A. http://www.na-sa.com.ar/

Since August 30, 1994 through a governmental decree (N° 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 Argentine Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA). They are responsible for the regulation, operation of facilities, and for research and development of the sector, respectively. Before the division, every activity was developed by CNEA.

Figure 2.1 shows the hierarchy of the organizations.

Figure 2.1: Organizational Chart of the National Nuclear Activity.

As a result, ARN assumed the responsibilities of regulating nuclear activities, since its purpose is to establish standards of nuclear and radiation safety and to formulate regulations regarding the physical protection and control of the use of nuclear materials. Similarly it is responsible for the licensing, the regulation of nuclear facilities, and the compliance of international safeguards agreements.

The main task of NA-SA is to operate nuclear power plants, and to finish the construction of CNA II. The decree N° 1540/94 also binds NA-SA to pay an annual tax to CNEA and ARN for licence fees.

The aforementioned 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 partition in the three entities and would legally allow the gradual/eventual NA-SA privatization through an international bid. This federal law ratified the partition of CNEA in all three actors, and eventually allowed the privatization of NA-SA through an international tender.

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

Figure 2.2 presents the diagram of fund sources of the three nuclear entities.

Figure 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, in CAE’s property.

• 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) 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 is responsible for it since May 1997.

  Figure 2.2 shows the technical relations and supply connections among CNEA, NA-SA, supplier companies and ARN.

Figure 2.3: Technical and Supply Links of the Nuclear Sector

SOURCE: MINISTRY OF FEDERAL PLANNING, PUBLIC INVESTMENT AND SERVICES. http://www.minplan.gov.ar/

ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION: http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

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

NA-SA NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA SA: http://www.na-sa.com.ar/

ENSI SE EMPRESA NEUQUINA DE SERVICIOS DE INGENIERÍA: http://www.ensi.com.ar/

CONUAR SA: http://www.conuar.com.ar/

DIOXITEK SA: http://www.dioxitek.com.ar/

INVAP SE: http://www.invap.com.ar/

FAE SA: http://www.fae.com.ar/.

Currently, the three nuclear power plants in operation (CNA I and II, and CNE) reach a total installed capacity of 1755 MWe. This value includes the 5 MW added to CNA I in April 2013; and the 745 MW belonging to CNA II.

Moreover, although nuclear generation recorded a normal dispatch, since March 2011 CNE began operating limited to 80% (520 MW) of its maximum power because of the preparatory work for its life extension.

It should be noted that during the period 1984-1990, the nuclear share represented about 15% of the total electricity generated, gradually decreasing in subsequent years due to the expansion of generation facilities based on other technologies and the discontinuity of the Nuclear Plan. From the reactivation of the mentioned Plan in 2006, which considers the entry into service at full power of CNA II; the repowering and life extension of CNE; the construction of the CAREM nuclear power plant and the Fourth one, added to other future incomes, it is expected to improve the percentage of nuclear participation, currently around 5%.

The main characteristics of the plants in operation are described below:

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, with a rated electrical capacity of 363 MW. It uses fuel elements based on slightly enriched uranium (0.85% U²³⁵ isotope) and has a machine which allows the replacement of the fuel elements without interrupting the service of the plant.

CNE: Chronologically, it is the second Argentine NPP, with an electric nominal power of 648 MW. CNE is located on the south coast of Embalse de Río Tercero, province of Córdoba. It is a CANDU reactor, with PHWR technology. It uses natural uranium as fuel and, as CNA I, the load and unload of the fuel is performed during the power plant operation. Besides generating electricity, this plant also produces cobalt-60 (Co⁶⁰), used in medical, industrial and research applications, turning the country into the third world producer of this radioisotope.

CNA II: It is located near CNA I, with a rated electrical capacity of 745 MW. It is a PHWR reactor, whose fuel, currently, is natural uranium, according to the original design. Nevertheless, there exists a future possibility to migrate to LEU as in the case of CNA I.

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

CAREM 25: It is located next to CNA I and II. It is an Argentine reactor of innovative design that is within the segment of small and medium reactors, with a capacity of 27 MW. It is based on an integrated water light PWR reactor type using enriched uranium as fuel, with liabilities and redundant safety systems, among other features.

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

Table 7. Status and Performance of Nuclear Power Plants

The decline of the UCF of Embalse NPP is because the full capacity is limited to 80% (520 MW) and also because during 2014 it did not operate continuously, due to life extension tasks.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION http://www.cnea.gov.ar

NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A.: http://www.na-sa.com.ar

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. Also, 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 maximum capacity. Subsequently, the plant was repowered with 5 MWe during 2013, due to the redesign of the blades of the generator’s high pressure stage. Currently, the reservoir for dry storage of spent fuel elements – necessary when finishing the cooling stage in pools – is under construction. Moreover, due to the experience gained from the Fukushima nuclear power plant accident, safety has been improved through the installation of hydrogen recombiners. Finally, another of the expected improvements in nuclear safety to be incorporated into the facility during 2015 is the construction of a new emergency power system.

CNE: Nucleoeléctrica Argentina is currently developing its Life Extension Project. The objective of the project is to add between 25 and 30 years of operation and increase the electric power of the NPP by approximately 35 MWe. In this context, CNE has developed a set of 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.

SOURCE: NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A.: http://www.na-sa.com.ar

The strategic nuclear Argentine plan includes the reactivation of the sector, from an energetic point of view, through increased nuclear share in the energy 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 1990s, nowadays Argentina has a sector which transcends its own barriers and has managed to be valued 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, 2006, 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 nuclear energy, (...)

- Secondly, 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 in 1.2.3., National Law N° 26566 was sanctioned on November 25, 2009 and enacted on December 17, 2009. This law regulates nuclear activities and enables:

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

• Beginning of previous studies for the definition of the life extension of CNA I.

• 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 to 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.

Continuing with the activities required by the fuel cycle, the uranium enrichment by gaseous diffusion is being carried out in the Technology Complex Pilcaniyeu in a pilot plant project. In addition, R&D tasks are being carried out to develop ultracentrifugation and laser technologies, as well as the management of radioactive waste. Also, at laboratory scale and pilot plant, reprocessing activities are performed.

Considering the prominence of LWRs worldwide, Argentina has undertaken feasibility studies to incorporate Gen III LWRs into its fleet, concluding that “the country should incorporate a Gen III LWR” in the short term, given the implications of domestic and foreign policy, and from the technological, economic and human resources points of view. Its adoption will enhance and optimize Argentina’s fuel cycle capabilities, by using both technologies. 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 and the 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 accordance with National Law N° 25018 “Management of Radioactive Wastes”, CNEA is responsible for supervising and treating wastes coming from low, medium and high activity level.

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 waste generators.

Whereas this article of the law is not regulated yet, currently this fund has not been created and the percentage of turnover that should provide the operator of nuclear power plants for its establishment has not been determined. Until this happens, the State will continue to make financial contributions to the National Programme for Radioactive Waste, through the budget of CNEA.

In relation to the design of national reactors, since 2013 the CAREM 25 nuclear power plant is under construction. It is expected that at least 70% of their inputs, components and related services to be provided by Argentine companies qualified under the international quality standards, monitored by CNEA.

Finally, following the general guidelines of the Strategic Energy Plan developed by the Secretariat of Energy, the PHWR technology was defined for the fourth power plant, leaving the PWR development option for CAREM reactors and future reactors to incorporate.

In relation to the fourth nuclear power plant, on September 3, 2014, a Trade Framework Agreement for the provision of equipment and services for the project was signed between NA-SA and the China Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). The parties agreed that NA-SA will conduct the pre-project design, construction, commissioning and operation of the new plant. For its part, the CNNC will provide support, services, equipment and instrumentation, plus the materials required by the Argentine industry to locally manufacture components for the project. As for the engineering design, CNNC has the support and design of the reference plant – China Qinshan Nuclear Power Plant, CANDU 6, owned by Candu Energy, as also the updates of the design required by NA-SA.

In Table 8 the planned nuclear power plants are summarized, indicating their characteristics and relevant schedules:

Table 8. Planned Nuclear Power Plants.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A. http://www.na-sa.com.ar/

LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION, CENTRE OF DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION FROM THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC FINANCES http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/

Currently, the management of nuclear power projects is made by the NA-SA company, while technical support is provided by CNEA, according to the stipulations of Law N° 26566. As an exception to this, the Law provides in Article 16 that the design, implementation and commissioning of the CAREM reactor prototype is entrusted exclusively to 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., and IMPSA.

SOURCE: TECHINT. http://www.techint.com

TECNA. http://www.tecna.com/

ELECTROINGENIERÍA S.A. http://www.eling.com.ar/

IECSA S.A. http://www.grupoods.com.ar/grupo-ODS/

INVAP S.E. http://www.invap.com.ar/

IMPSA. http://www.impsa.com.ar/

Traditionally, Argentine NPPs were partially financed through their own suppliers, as was the case with German KWU for CNA 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. In a first step, the restoration project was financed by a World Bank loan, applicable to Malargüe sites, whose works are already started. Regardless of the loan, a CNEA’s budget in the implementation of the various project tasks is being advanced.

In the case of CNA II, the project was divided into two phases:

• The construction, from 1982 until its discontinuation in 1994, was funded by KWU of Germany, with specific funds of the State, together with contributions from the Argentine National Treasury.

• Since its resumption in 2006, the work was financed with state funds and specific contributions from the National Treasury, via a trust called "Atucha II Completion Plan". At the same time, the funding in the capital market through placement of debt securities, through the setting up financial trusts, was also obtained.

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

• 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. In 2010 such corporation approved a funding of $240 million for the power plant’s life extension. However, this funding represents only part of the total; while the most significant, is covered with contributions from the national treasury.

• CAREM NPP: a 350.000 million dollars trust administration agreement was signed between the CNEA and Banco de la Nación Argentina.

• Fourth NPP: In the year 2014 a Framework Trade Agreement for the provision of equipment and services for the project, totaling 2000 million dollars to finance products and services from China and other countries, in addition to 32000 million pesos in domestic suppliers, was signed, between NA-SA and the China Nuclear Corporation (CNNC). Additionally, other funding options are covered by National Law N° 26566, which regulates the nuclear activity. These are: the possibility of generating trusts for these projects, authorizing NA-SA to conclude the contracts needed with national public financial institutions, whose selection was made according to the guidelines set timely by the Secretariat of Energy, which depends on the Ministry of Federal Planning, Public Investment and Services.

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 Energy Secretariat.

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.

Moreover, currently it is provided the use of:

• Other public sources not included in the above paragraphs are the following: public trust funds specifically 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, and regional focus 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.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

LEGISLATIVE ORGANISATION, CENTRE OF DOCUMENTATION AND INFORMATION OF THE MINISTRY OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS AND PUBLIC FINANCE.http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/

PRESS ROOM, ARGENTINE’S PRESIDENCY http://www.prensa.argentina.ar/

NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A.: http://www.na-sa.com.ar

Prior to the construction of a nuclear power plant (or other electrical power plant of such magnitude), it is necessary to conduct a study of the network to determine its technical adequacy and verify that its transmission and processing capacity remains appropriate. Otherwise the improvements and developments needed should be analyzed.

For example, for the implementation of the CNA II NPP, the following construction works were performed: a beach of maneuvers of 500 kV that divided the original line which linked the Ramallo-Rodriguez nodes in two shorter lines (Ramallo-Atucha II and Atucha II-Rodriguez). This beach was connected to the lines from the major power plant transformers, also allowing future extensions to assimilate new lines and transformers.

During 2014 the completion of these works was conducted.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. http://www.cnea.gov.ar/,

WHOLESALE COMPANY OF THE ELECTRIC MAJORITY MARKET S.A. (CAMMESA): http://www.cammesa.com.ar/

NUCLEOELÉCTRICA ARGENTINA S.A.: http://www.na-sa.com.ar

Historically, CNEA has developed siting studies on relevant nuclear facilities ^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7 and 8} 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 social perception, the areas are reduced until achieving a number of favorable sites, using multicriteria methodologies.

SOURCES:

[1] Study of pre investment. NPP for Gran Buenos Aires Area. Littoral/Coastline. CNEA 1965.

[2] Study of pre investment: NPP for Province of Córdoba. CNEA 1968.

[3] Study of NPP siting in the southern subsystem site of the Province of Buenos Aires. Bahía Blanca. CNEA 1976.

[4] Study of NPP siting for Cuyo Region. CNEA 1976.

[5] NPP. Argentine siting Los Timbúes y Hernandarias NPPs. CNEA 1986.

[6] INPRO. Methodology for the Assessment of Innovative Nuclear Reactors and Fuel Cycles. Stage I planning. Final Argentine report. Prospective and energetic planning. CNEA 2006.

[7] Study of 150 MW NPP CAREM siting in Formosa province. Stage I, II, III planning. Final Argentine report. Strategic Planning. CNEA 2012.

[8] Study of research reactor RA-10 siting. Stage I,II planning. Final Argentine report. Strategic Planning. CNEA 2012.

With regard to the fourth nuclear power plant, its construction is expected within the area in which CNA I, II, and the site of the CAREM 25 NPP are located (Atucha Nuclear Complex). The reason is that this site is licensed and has a flow of water for cooling which is sufficient to meet all the power plants stationed there. Nevertheless, it is planned to build a “Service Centre for Nuclear Power Plants".

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

Over the last years, nuclear departments in charge of providing information to the public have conducted a number of surveys to quantify and/or determine the level of public acceptance by taking into account ongoing activities undertaken in the nuclear sector.

An example of this is a study required by CNEA in 2012. Out of its analysis, the following results have been achieved: an ample majority of the population, 72%, associated nuclear energy with scientific and technological development, and 64% believed it was profitable to the country economy. Consequently, 63% of the population believed it contributed to the generation of energy independence and sovereignty; as well as this, 60% of the population also believed that the country positively stood out worldwide as an efficient and responsible user of its resources.

Moreover, 37.5% of the population perceived nuclear energy as an opportunity for employment and progress, and 17.2% considered it as a matter of national pride and as a symbol of scientific and technological development. When analyzing the country per region and area, it could be seen that the closer the towns were located to nuclear facilities and nuclear power plants, the higher acceptance percentages were.

Particularly, a significant proportion of the population (49%) believed that both each interviewed person and their families would benefit from the development of activities related to nuclear energy. When explaining their reasons, this sector of the population focused on the benefits expected for the development, economy and energy sovereignty.

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 it 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, heavy water 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 (Pilcaniyeu, 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.

SOURCES:

ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION.http://www.cnea.gov.ar

EZEIZA ATOMIC CENTRE. http://caebis.cnea.gov.ar/

BARILOCHE ATOMIC CENTRE.http://www.cab.cnea.gov.ar/

BALSEIRO INSTITUTE. http://www.ib.edu.ar/

SÁBATO INSTITUTE. http://www.isabato.edu.ar/

DAN BENINSON NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE. https://ibeninson.cnea.edu.ar/

NUCLEAR MEDICINE FOUNDATION SCHOOL.http://www.fuesmen.edu.ar/

NUCLEAR DIAGNOSTIC FOUNDATION CENTRE.http://www.fcdn.org.ar/

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 reactors:

• 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 1 MW 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.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION.

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, Statistical 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, Thermal hydraulics, Analysis by Neutron Activation, Radiological Protection, Chemical Kinetics, 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 to 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, and Hf-181; Semi-industrial plant of Irradiation: provides advisory services, food irradiation, and disposable biomedical material for institutional, external and internal clients; Triple Height Laboratory; 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 Physics, 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, constituting Argentina as the third largest 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.

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%.

SOURCE:

POLO TECNOLÓGICO CONSTITUYENTES S.A. http://www.ptconstituyentes.com.ar/

FUNDACIÓN CENTRO DE DIAGNÓSTICO NUCLEAR. http://www.fcdn.org.ar/

The following are the companies and institutions related to CNEA:

• Investigaciones Aplicadas S.E. (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.

The national government, through the National’s Ministry of Planning, Public Investment and Services, and the Ministry of Health, has undertaken actions to bring the infrastructure and technology needed to address the national public health problems to the whole country. In this regard, the Cibersalud National Plan (Integral Connectivity Plan for the national, provincial and municipal hospitals and medical centres around the country) and the National Plan of Nuclear Medicine (NPNM) should be highlighted. Particularly, the NPNM aims to provide to Argentina the tools which nuclear activity offers for the prevention, control and treatment of chronic non communicable diseases, such as cancer and respiratory, cardiovascular, and endocrine diseases.

CNEA is the agency responsible for the coordination of all actions that must be undertaken to achieve the objective.

In a first stage, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy centres will be built in Formosa, Entre Ríos, Santa Cruz, Río Negro, Santiago del Estero and La Pampa provinces, and in the future in Jujuy, Córdoba, Chubut and Buenos Aires provinces.

On the other hand, new equipment has been taken to existing centres where CNEA takes part (FUESMEN, FCDN). Both centres, with CNEA, are the pillars of this plan considering the experience in managing technology that both centres have, as also their capacity to train human resources and their management model.

Within the NPNM the installation of the first Latin American proton therapy centre is also postulated.

SOURCE: INVAP S.E.http://www.invap.com.ar/

FUESMEN http://www.fmv-uba.org.ar/comunidad/INA/Medicina_Nuclear.htm,

INSTITUTO DE ONCOLOGÍA http://www.institutoroffo.com.ar/

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 Argentine technology and design. During 2012 the Environmental Impact Study, in charge of the National Technological University (Avellaneda Regional Faculty) was conducted. In 2013 the manufacture of the pressure vessel was awarded to the national company IMPSA SA. Finally, at the beginning of 2014, the structural construction started.

• 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. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority granted the license to build the RA-10 Reactor in October 2014.

• Uranium Enrichment Project: its objective is to strengthen the technological capacity as regards to the uranium enrichment through the gaseous diffusion technology, and also develop laser and ultracentrifuge technologies.

• Since 2002, Argentina 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.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION.http://www.cnea.gov.ar

The scope of international co-operation 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 co-operation 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 America, promoted in part by IAEA through the Project Area of Latin America, through the projects under the Regional Cooperative Agreement for the promotion of nuclear science and technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL). 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 hand, NA-SA has a special collaboration agreement with the Brazilian Electronuclear company, 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 also has a close and varied interaction with national and foreign organizations, governmental and non-governmental.

The Argentine Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) was created by Decree N° 10936 in 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, physical 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 N° 22498 of 1956 (“Organization of the Argentine Atomic Energy Commission [CNEA], the Application Authority”) ratified by Law N° 14467 of 1958 (“Ratification Law of Decree Laws of the provisional government between September 23, 1955 and April 30,1958”) and Decree N° 842/58.

The Decree N° 842/58 also 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 scope of the Ministry of Health of the Nation.

Moreover, due to the continued increase in the use of nuclear applications in the country, it was strengthening the functional independence of the regulatory branch with respect to the other activities of CNEA.

Based on the above considerations, the National Authorities reorganized the nuclear Argentine structure. To do this, with Decree N° 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 N° 24804, which came into force in 1997, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) was constituted, as the successor of the ENREN, which had been created in 1994. The ARN is directly dependent on the General Secretariat of Argentina’s Presidency and has the power to regulate and control all activities with respect to nuclear radiation and nuclear safety, physical protection, safeguards, and other aspects of non-proliferation. ARN also advises the National Executive on matters within its competence. 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. As a self-governing body, its resources consist of regulatory fees and state funding. Article 16 of the mentioned regulation sets out the functions and responsibilities of the ARN, authorizing it to issue regulations regarding the matters under its jurisdiction. On the other hand, the Act 24804 gives the ARN the necessary legal capacity to establish, develop and apply the rules of all nuclear activities in the country. In this regard, the Act 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 for the construction start, and therefore it must demonstrate that the facility will not cause damage to the public or to the environment, backed by the due documentation. Because of this, prior to applying for a license to build from the ARN, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), under the national law, should be performed.

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, which in turn provides the following licences:

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

• Operating: ARN authorizes 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).

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION.http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

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

The Argentine legal and regulatory system includes 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, to prevent it from being diverted to the manufacture of nuclear weapons or other nuclear devices. 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 N° 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 N° 24448: Argentina is one of the signatories of the treaty in which signatory countries renounce the use of nuclear weapons.

In turn, the Argentine Republic has concluded co-operation agreements in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy with the following countries⁽³⁾: Uruguay (Law N° 17938), Peru (Law N° 18255), Paraguay (Law N° 18436), Plurinational State of Bolivia (Law N° 18814), Colombia (Law N° 19505), Ecuador (Law N° 21.896), Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (Law N° 22314), India (Law N° 26766), Brazil (Laws N° 22494, 24046, 24048), Chile (Law N° 22886), Yugoslavia⁽⁴⁾ (Law N° 23387), China (Law N° 23712), Turkey (Law N° 23.914), Indonesia (Law N° 24161), Romania (Law N° 24217), USSR⁽⁵⁾ (Law N° 24253), Guatemala (Law N° 24645), Canada (Law N° 24.646), France (Law N° 24.647), Thailand (Law N° 24861),United States of America (Law N° 24.862), European Atomic Energy Community (Euratom) (Law N° 24869), Morocco (Law N° 24.980), Costa Rica (Law N° 24.981), Armenia (Law N° 25285), Greece (Law N° 25.286), Viet Nam (Law N° 25.776), Bulgaria (Law N° 25809), Australia (Law N° 26014), Mexico (Law N° 26771), South Africa (Law N° 26770), Republic of Algeria (Law N° 26765), Jordan (Law N° 26767), Saudi Arabia (Law N° 26768), and United Arab Emirates (Law N° 26969).

In Appendix 1, the international, multilateral, and bilateral agreements signed by the Argentine Republic are mentioned.

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION

http://www2.cnea.gov.ar/biblio/SDeIL/internacional/24272f.pdf

http://www2.cnea.gov.ar/biblio/SDeIL/internacional/24448.pdf

BRAZILIAN ARGENTINE ACCOUNTING AND CONTROL AGENCY OF NUCLEAR MATERIAL http://www.abacc.org.br/

National Laws:

• Law N° 1919: Mining Code. Approved. 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 N° 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 N° 17048: Nuclear Damage. Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage. Enacted and promulgated in 1966. Modified by Law N° 22455 http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=48841

• Law N° 21947: Convention on Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matters. Enacted and promulgated in 1979. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=73611

• Law N° 22455: Convention related to Civil Liability within the sphere of nuclear materials sea transport. Enacted and promulgated in 1981. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=206134

• Law N° 22507: Treaty concerning the Prohibition of Placing Nuclear Weapons and other Weapons of Mass Destruction on Sea and Ocean beds, and Underground beds. Enacted and promulgated in 1981. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=206306

• Law N° 23340: Treaty on Nuclear Weapons Test-Ban in the Atmosphere, in the Outer Space and in Submarine Waters. Enacted and Promulgated in 1986. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=23232

• Law N° 23620: Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Materials. Enacted and Promulgated in 1988. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=22

• Law N° 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. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=132

• Decree N° 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 14, 1992. Modified by the standards indicated in: http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/infolegInternet/verVinculos.do?modo=2&id=12381

• Law N° 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). http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=670

• Decree N° 1540/94: Reorganization of the ARGENTINE 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 N° 24448: Treaty on Non Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (TNP). Enacted in 1994 and Promulgated in 1995.

• Law N° 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 N° 24776: Convention on Nuclear Safety. Enacted and Promulgated in 1997 (Application Art. 80, National Constitution). http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=42639

• Law N° 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 N° 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 N° 25022: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, accepted by the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, USA. 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 N° 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 N° 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 N° 17048).Enacted and Promulgated in 2000. (Application of Art. 80, National Constitution). Entry into force in 2003. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=64613

• Law N° 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 N° 25837: Agreements. Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. Enacted in 2003, promulgated and entered into force in 2004. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=92838

• Law N° 25842: Agreements. Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology. Enacted in 2003 and promulgated in 2004. Entry into force in 2005. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=91817

• Law N° 26566: Nuclear Activity. Enacted and Promulgated in 2009. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=162106

• Law N° 26640: Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material. Enacted on 10/13/10 and Promulgated on 11/16/10. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=175096

• Law N° 26976: Adopts the International Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism. Enacted on 08/27/14 and Promulgated on 09/17/14 by Decree 1605/2014 http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=235452

• Law N° 27111: Amendment to the Mining Code and Decree 456/97, replacing Articles 31, 215 and 221 of the Code, in relation to securities of Canon. Enacted on 12/17/14 and promulgated on 01/20/15. http://www.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/verNorma.do?id=241231

SOURCE: ARGENTINE ATOMIC ENERGY COMMISSION. http://www.cnea.gov.ar/

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT SECRETARIAT OF THE NATION.http://www.ambiente.gov.ar/?aplicacion=normativa&IdNorma=85&IdSeccion=0

LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION. http://www.infoleg.gov.ar/

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY.

http://www.inpi.gov.ar/index.php?Id=245&criterio=4

http://www.inpi.gov.ar/pdf/LeyesTransferenciaTec.pdf

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

AR 0.0.1. Licensing of Class I facilities.

AR 0.11.1. Licensing of Class I facility staff.

AR 0.11.2. Psychophysical capacity requirements for specific authorizations.

AR 0.11.3. Re-training of Class I facilities staff.

AR 0.11.4. Licensing of staff for facilities Class II and Class III of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle.

AR 2.12.1. Radiological safety criteria for the management of radioactive waste from mining manufacturing facilities.

AR 3.1.1. Occupational exposure to nuclear power reactors (NPR).

AR 3.1.2. Limitation of radioactive effluents in NPR.

AR 3.1.3. Radiological criteria with reference to accidents in NPR.

AR 3.2.1. General safety criteria for the design of NPR.

AR 3.2.3. Fire safety in NPR.

AR 3.3.1. Design of the core of NPR.

AR 3.3.2. Heat removal systems in NPR.

AR 3.3.3. Primary pressure circuit in NPR.

AR 3.3.4. Safety in combustible elements for NPR.

AR 3.4.1. Protection and instrumentation system related to the safety of NPR.

AR 3.4.2. Extinction systems for NPR.

AR 3.4.3. Confinement system in NPR.

AR 3.5.1. Essential electrical supply in NPR.

AR 3.6.1. Quality system in NPR.

AR 3.7.1. Schedule for the presentation of documents prior to the commercial operation of a NPR.

AR 3.8.1. Preliminary tests and start-up of NPR.

AR 3.9.1. General safety criteria for the operation of NPR.

AR 3.9.2. Communication of relevant events in NPR.

AR 3.10.1. Protection against earthquakes in NPR. Under revision process, taking into account the “state of the art”.

AR 3.17.1. Dismantling of NPR

AR 4.1.1. Occupational exposure in research nuclear reactors.

AR 4.1.2. Radioactive effluent limitation in research nuclear reactors.

AR 4.1.3. Radiological criteria relative to accidents in research reactors.

AR 4.2.1. Design of critical compounds.

AR 4.2.2. Design of research reactors.

AR 4.2.3. Fire safety in research reactors.

AR 4.5.1. Design in the electric energy supply system in research reactors.

AR 4.7.1. Schedule for the presentation of documents prior to the operation of a research reactor.

AR 4.7.2. Schedule for the presentation of documents prior to the operation of a critical compound.

AR 4.8.1. Preliminary tests and start-up of critical component.

AR 4.8.2. Preliminary tests and start-up of research reactors.

AR 4.9.1. Operation of critical component Revision 1.

AR 4. 9.2. Operation of nuclear research reactors.

AR 5.1.1. Occupational exposure in Class I particle accelerators.

AR 5.7.1. Schedule for the presentation of documents prior to the operation of a particle accelerator.

AR 6.1.1. Occupational exposure of Class I radioactive facilities.

AR 6.1.2. Limitation of radioactive effluents in Class I radioactive facilities.

AR 6.2.1. Design of fixed irradiation plants with mobile under water irradiation sources.

AR 6.7.1. Schedule for the presentation of documents prior to the operation of an industrial irradiation plant.

AR 6.9.1. Operation of fixed irradiation plants with mobile under water irradiation sources.

AR 7.9.1. Industrial gammagraphy equipment operation.

AR 7.9.2. Operation of radiation sources for industrial applications.

AR 7.11.1. Individual permits for industrial gammagraphy equipment operators.

AR 7.11.2. Individual permits for radiation sources operators for industrial application.

AR 8.2.1. Use of sealed sources in brachytherapy.

AR 8.2.2. Operation of linear accelerators for medical use.

AR 8.2.3. Telecobalt therapy facility operation.

AR 8.2.4. Use of non-sealed radioactive sources in nuclear medicine facilities.

AR 8.11.1. Individual permits for the use of radioactive material or ionizing radiations in humans.

AR 8.11.2. Minimum clinical training requirements to obtain individual permits for medical use.

AR 8.11.3. Individual permits for specialists and technicians in radiotherapy physics.

AR 10.1.1. Basic Standard of Radiological Safety.

AR 10.10.1. Siting Evaluation for Nuclear Power Plants.

AR 10.12.1. Radioactive Waste Management.

AR 10.13.1. Physical protection standard for nuclear materials and facilities.

AR 10.13.2. Physical safety standard for sealed sources.

AR 10.14.1. Non deviation guarantees of nuclear materials and materials, facilities and equipment of nuclear interest.

AR 10.16.1. Transport of radioactive materials.

SOURCE: NUCLEAR REGULATORY AUTHORITY. http://www.arn.gov.ar/, http://www.arn.gov.ar/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9&Itemid=41&lang=es

National Nuclear Safety Reports to the CONVENTION ON NUCLEAR SAFETY.

Law N° 24804, 1997 (National Law of Nuclear Activity). Decree 1390, 1998.