In September 2018, the federal Government created the Government Secretariat of Energy — formerly the Ministry of Energy — according to Decree 802/2018, which was established under the authority of the Ministry of Treasury. Mainly, it is focused on elaborating national energy strategies and policies and executing them.

In order to improve efficiency in the nuclear sector, the Government created the Under Secretariat of Nuclear Energy within the Government Secretariat of Energy. Its core objectives are the following:

• To assist in all matters related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the management of radioactive sources locally.

• To assist in the analysis, evaluation and monitoring of economic/financial engineering and project development sustainability associated with nuclear technology, as well as to assist state level nuclear organizations and companies in the planning and monitoring of public investment projects.

• To coordinate actions among the different political and social stakeholders involved in nuclear activity.

• To set a strategy and clear objectives for the participation of Argentina in international forums, organizations and other initiatives of the nuclear field, at both the multilateral and bilateral level.

• To assist local organizations in actions which lead to compliance with international commitments in nuclear non-proliferation matters, nuclear safeguards, nuclear security and any other international commitments in the nuclear field.

• To communicate and coordinate between nuclear organizations and objectives established by the federal Government.

• To assist in the design and execution of federal Government strategic priorities regarding the nuclear field, within the framework of the national energy matrix, among others.

According to the National Energy Balance (BEN) 2017, 86.5% of total primary energy in Argentina was produced from fossil fuels (54.0% from natural gas, 31.2% from oil and 1.3% from coal). The remaining energy production relied on hydroelectric energy (4.3%), nuclear energy (2.2%) and renewable resources such as wood (1.0%), bagasse (1.2%), biofuel (3.3%), vegetable alcohols (0.7%), wind energy (0.2%), solar energy (0.002%) and other primary resources (0.5%). The higher concentration of hydrocarbons in Argentina’s primary energy sources is a structural characteristic of the Argentine energy matrix.

It is important to consider that, according to the National Report on Greenhouse Gases published by the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development in 2017, the energy sector is responsible for 53% of greenhouse gases. The analysis of the BEN for the period 1970–2017 shows significant changes associated with the progressive replacement of oil by natural gas — the latter was responsible for all increases while the former remained almost constant over time. It should be noted that throughout the period, fossil fuels have remained at between 82.2% and 92.6% of the entire primary energy mix. In recent years, several laws were issued with the aim of decreasing the use of fossil fuels and rationalizing the use of energy by suggesting a series of objectives and mechanisms of promotion, and recognizing the importance of using every energy source in the national energy mix.

As previously stated, the main goal is to diversify the power generation mix, with greater participation from non-conventional renewable, hydro and nuclear energy sources. In August 2006, the reactivation of the nuclear programme was officially launched. Moreover, in 2009, Law No. 26 566 declared the nuclear programme to be of national interest and promoted special public regimes for the completion of the construction of CNA II as well as the execution of the CNE life extension process — both activities under the scope of nuclear power plant operator Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. (NA-SA) and CAREM SMR Project development, which is under the responsibility of the National Atomic Energy Commission (Comisión Nacional de la Energía Atómica — CNEA).

In relation to renewable energy sources, in 2015, Law No. 27 191 introduced a National Promotion Regime for the Use of Renewable Energy Sources for the Production of Electric Energy. Thus, goals have been established for the incorporation of renewable energies to the national energy matrix for electricity supply: 8%, 12%, 16%, 18% and 20% for the years 2017, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025, respectively.

Sources:

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Decree No. 231 of 2015 (2015),

Government Secretariat of Energy, National Energy Balance of the Argentine Republic (2017), http://www.argentina.gob.ar/energia/hidrocarburos/balances-energeticos-0

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Law No. 26 566 on Nuclear Activity (2009), http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/160000-164999/162106/norma.htm

Ministry of Justice and Human Rights, Law No. 27 191 on National Promotion Regime for the Use of Renewable Energy Sources Destined for the Production of Electric Energy (2015),

http://servicios.infoleg.gob.ar/infolegInternet/anexos/250000-254999/253626/norma.htm

Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, National Report on Greenhouse Gases (2017),

https://inventariogei.ambiente.gob.ar/files/inventario-nacional-gei-argentina.pdf

Government Secretariat of Energy, Argentina — Energy for Growth, Secretariat of Energy Planning, Scenarios and Project Assessment (2016),

Table 1 shows Argentina’s estimated available energy sources.

TABLE 1. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Notes: For the coal reserves, 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 31 December 2017 were taken into account.

In the case of uranium, tonnes of uranium (tU) as identified resources: reasonably assured resources (RAR), inferred resources (IR) for the production cost category www.oecd-nea.org/ndd/pubs/2018/7413-uranium-2018.pdf).

* Solid, liquid: million tonnes; gas: billion m³; uranium: metric tonnes; hydro, renewable: TW.

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

*** Regarding other renewables, the potential of geothermal 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 were available in 2011.

Sources: Government Secretariat of Energy, National Energy Balance of the Argentine Republic (2017),

www.argentina.gob.ar/energia/hidrocarburos/balances-energeticos-0

Government Secretariat of Energy, Reserves Report (2018),

https://datos.gob.ar/dataset/energia-reservas-petroleo-gas

Government Secretariat of Energy, Under Secretariat of Renewables Energies;

National Atomic Energy Commission, Department of Reservoir and Evaluation, Raw Materials Exploration Management;

Government Secretariat of Energy, Energy Scenarios 2030 (2017),

www.minem.gob.ar/www/834/25391/presentaciones-y-documentos

OECD Nuclear Energy Agency, IAEA, Uranium 2018: Resources, Production and Demand (2018),

www.oecd-nea.org/ndd/pubs/2018/7413-uranium-2018.pdf

Energy statistics for Argentina are presented in Table 2.

TABLE 2. ENERGY STATISTICS

* Latest available data from the 2017 National Energy Balance from the Government Secretariat of Energy.

** 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.

*** Solid fuels include coal from the primary sector + more net imports of residual coal and coal coke from the secondary sector.

¹ Includes domestic supply of oil primary sector + net imports of all liquid fuels in the secondary sector.

² Includes domestic supply of natural gas primary sector + net imports of all gaseous fuels in the secondary sector.

³ Takes into account the domestic offer of the primary sector of wood, bagasse, other primaries, and wind and solar energies. Also includes the domestic offer from the primary sector + net imports of biofuels from the secondary sector.

⁴ Since 1997, Argentina imports all the uranium that its power plants consume, totally interrupting domestic production.

⁵ Net import (Import – Export) of the primary sector.

⁶ Total: Production + Net imports (Import–Export) of the primary sector.

Since September 2018 energy system planning and decision making has been under the responsibility of the Government Secretariat of Energy, formerly the Ministry of Energy, as previously mentioned, currently under the Ministry of Treasury. Regarding long term energy planning, the Government Secretariat of Energy, through the Secretariat of Strategic Energy Planning, developed the Energy Scenarios 2030. For that purpose, the basic guidelines of four alternative energy demand scenarios were established, focusing on exploitation of unconventional resources, implementation of energy efficiency policies and promotion of renewable energies and other clean energy sources such as nuclear. In this regard, it is important to mention that the outcomes of the analysis which are associated with those scenarios resulting from the combination of different demand, investment, price and productivity assumptions, are not intended to be predictive, but are projections of what might occur according to the combination of such assumptions. Moreover, due to the dynamic nature of an energy sector which is undergoing a regulatory, economic and institutional normalization process, such scenarios are dynamic. Thus, this tool is part of a process directed to define a shared vision of Argentine society, for achieving the construction of a sustainable energy future.

The goals for 2015–2019 are the following:

• Normalize regulatory agencies and energy market operations.

• Improve energy access and efficient use by households and productive sectors.

• Ensure energy supply. Reverse the declining trend and increase oil and gas production, improve integration with neighbouring countries and boost investment in energy infrastructure, including the development of key hydro and nuclear projects in order to replace fossil fuels imports.

• Diversify energy supply and incorporate renewables into Argentina’s energy matrix.

Argentina is considering restructuring its electricity market. From a situation where the electricity is largely subsidized to guarantee low prices, it is updating strategic priorities and accordingly reallocating the incentives. Among the measures taken are: (a) gradual reduction of subsidies for gas and electricity demand; (b) renegotiation of the distribution and transmission tariffs that have been frozen since 2002; (c) price increases for non-conventional gas; (d) international bids for renewable energy projects; and (e) bids for new thermal capacity.

The strategy aims to: (a) decrease fossil imports; (b) improve grid connexions with neighbouring countries; and (c) increase the electricity generation by 2025 with the addition of 10 GW of renewables. The fourth nuclear power plant (a 1200 MW pressurized water reactor) would be connected to the grid in December 2027. Its construction would begin in the year 2020. As part of the solution to improve energy supply security, decarbonization and access to energy, the share of nuclear energy in the electricity mix is expected to remain at least 10% by the year 2050.

Currently, gas and oil sources prevail in the energy mix of Argentina, which is a net importer, with consequences on the cost of electricity and its energy supply security. The country also needs to expand the population’s access to energy, particularly in remote areas, and wishes to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. As Argentina’s electricity grid is not significantly connected with neighbouring countries, this lack of power cannot be compensated through electricity imports.

Sources:

Government Secretariat of Energy, Argentina, Energy for Growth (2016),

www.minem.gob.ar/www/834/25391/presentaciones-y-documentos

Government Secretariat of Energy, Energy Scenarios 2030 (2017),

www.minem.gob.ar/www/834/25391/presentaciones-y-documentos

World Energy Council, World Energy Trilemma Index (2017),

www.worldenergy.org/assets/downloads/Energy-Trilemma-Index-2017-Report.pdf

Generation, transmission and distribution

Laws No. 15.336 and No. 24 065, together with their respective regulatory decrees, establish the general legal framework that defined the dynamics of generation, transportation and distribution in the electricity system, including the categorization of the actors legitimately recognized and qualified to operate in the electricity sector. It is important to stress that under this framework the transport and distribution of electricity are defined as a public service, while generation is considered of general interest. While in the first two cases, considered natural monopolies, the State — through the Government Secretariat of Energy and the Electricity National Regulator Entity — has the power to establish specific regulations, in the case of the generation system it requires regulation only for those aspects and circumstances that affect the general interest.

The recognized stakeholders in the electricity market are: (a) generators or producers; (b) carriers; (c) distributors; and d) large users.

Main organizations

The Electricity National Regulator Entity was created as an independent agency within the Government Secretariat of Energy. Its objective is to control the enforcement of regulations on behalf of the agents of the market, thus defending the user’s interests. With the creation of the Government Secretariat of Energy, this objective has not only been maintained but also the agency’s activities and the organizational structure have been consolidated.

The Wholesale Electricity Market Administrator Company (CAMMESA) is a privately managed public company created with the purpose of administering the operation of the wholesale electricity market and of conducting the scheduled dispatch of electricity. Wholesale electric market agents own 80% of CAMMESA’s shares, while the remaining 20% are held by the Energy Policy Coordination Secretariat, which assumes the representation of the general interest and of the captive users. The indicated 80% is held in equal parts of 20% each by the generating agents, carriers, distributors and large users.

Sources:

Ente Nacional Regulador de la Electricidad,

www.argentina.gob.ar/enre

Compańía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A.,

www.cammesa.com.ar

Compańía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A., Annual Report (2016),

www.cammesa.com/linfoanu.nsf/MINFOANU?OpenFrameSet

As mentioned in Section 1.2.2, 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 3 and Table 4 present the main characteristics of the electric sector.

TABLE 3. INSTALLED CAPACITY, ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION

* Latest available data.

¹ It is worth clarifying that although Atucha II NPP started up from mid-2014, it started operating at full power only in February 2015.

² Includes wood, bagasse, other primaries, biofuels, wind and solar power. The geothermal data are not included owing to insufficiency of data on its values since 1970.

³ During 2017, the Embalse NPP was out of service due to life extension tasks.

**Although both the capacity and the production of electricity from other renewable energy sources have been increasing since 2010, they were negligible in comparison to the other technologies until 2014, so a growth rate for the period between those years cannot be calculated.

Losses in electricity transmission are not deducted.

According to the merit order, base hydro and nuclear power generation technologies are dispatched first to meet baseload demand. Then, 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.

TABLE 4. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

* Latest data available.

** Net imports/total energy consumption. Net imports are calculated as imports minus exports both for primary and secondary energy except for exports exclusively from imported products. Total energy consumption is calculated as the primary domestic supply plus secondary net energy imports.

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 projected demographic data were taken from the 2010 Census.

² As electricity consumption, the primary domestic supply 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 BEN primary energy 2017.

⁴ Represents the nuclear share in electricity generation regarding the total electricity production.

Sources:

Government Secretariat of Energy, National Energy Balance of the Argentine Republic (2017), Government Secretariat of Energy, Annual Statistics Report for the Energy Sector (2017), Government Secretariat of Energy, Statistical Report of the Electric Sector 2017 (2017), Government Secretariat of Energy, Hydrocarbons Statistical Information, National Atomic Energy Commission, Synthesis of the Wholesale Electricity Market (2017), www.cnea.gob.ar/es/publicaciones/2017-2/

Compańía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A.,

Compańía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A., Annual Report (2017), www.cammesa.com/linfoanu.nsf/MINFOANU?OpenFrameSet

CNEA was created on 31 May 1950 by Decree No. 10 936. Since then, it has been the main public organization devoted to research and development (R&D) in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and has also been responsible for promoting highly specialized training of human resources in the field of nuclear science.

Since its creation, CNEA has made steady progress in terms of technological autonomy related to nuclear reactors. In 1964, it began the necessary studies for the construction of CNA I. Construction of CNA I began in 1968 and it started commercial operation in 1974. The first unit construction had a national share involvement of 36.7% of its total cost, including 13% of the electromechanical components.

For CNE, construction began in 1974, it reached criticality in 1983 and it was connected to the grid in 1984. In 2007, the plant’s life extension project began with the feasibility and ageing studies, and on 31 December 2015, CNE completed its first operational cycle. After completing the project, the plant successfully achieved criticality on 4 January 2019, starting the second operational cycle.

In late 1979, a third nuclear power plant of 700 MW(e) with natural uranium and heavy water was under consideration with a similar design and at the same location as CNA I. The construction of CNA II began in 1981 with a scheduled operational date of July 1987. Construction was delayed due to budgetary constraints and in 1994, with 81% of construction completed, the project was officially halted. Construction was resumed with the relaunch of the Argentine Nuclear Plan in 2006, CNA II went critical on 3 June 2014 and began to supply full power to the national grid in February 2015.

Moreover, in the early 1980s, CNEA had already developed the conceptual design of a low power nuclear power plant, based on a light water reactor with passive and redundant safety systems, known as Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares (CAREM). In 2007, activities were resumed under the guidance of CNEA. The R&D organization embraced the project and the appropriate support and institutional structure were developed to house the project.

Law No. 26 566, sanctioned on 25 November 2009, established the main projects of the national nuclear power programme:

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

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

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

• Launch of feasibility studies for the construction of a fourth NPP.

• Design, execution and commissioning of a CAREM 25 SMR under the responsibility of CNEA.

In the field of nuclear fuels, the country manufactures all the nuclear fuel required by its operating nuclear research reactors as well as for its NPPs.

Furthermore, through the Government Secretariat of Energy, Argentina is planning the construction of additional NPPs, in accordance with Law No. 26 566. To this end, the country has engaged in negotiations with CNNC, given the strategic partnership established between Argentina and China.

Sources:

National Atomic Energy Commission,

Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A.,

Government Secretariat of Energy, Energy Scenarios 2030 (2017),

According to Law No. 24 804, known as the National Nuclear Activity Law, which was sanctioned by the National Congress in 1997 (and entered into force in 1998), the nuclear sector (Fig. 1) was organized into three main branches: (a) promoter (CNEA); (b) regulator (Nuclear Regulatory Authority (Autoridad Regulatoria Nuclear — ARN)); and (c) utility (NA-SA).

FIG. 1. Organizational structure of the nuclear sector.

There are nuclear companies associated with CNEA (Fig. 2), created as commercial entities devoted to supply on an industrial scale to the nuclear sector and its related nuclear fuel cycle:

• NA-SA: The state owned company in charge of the operation of NPPs.

• INVAP S.E.: Its main activity is the designing and building of complex technological systems for nuclear, aerospace, government and defence, industrial and medical equipment.

• Combustibles Nucleares Argentinos S.A. (CONUAR). Its objective is the production of nuclear fuel for research reactors and NPPs, and to supply nuclear components and equipment. Additionally, it recently merged with FAE S.A., a company devoted to special alloys, zircaloy tubes and special component manufacturing.

• Empresa Neuquina de Servicios de Ingeniería S.E. (ENSI). This company provides heavy water for research reactors and NPPs, being one of the few heavy water producers that operate in the international market.

• DIOXITEK S.A.: A company devoted to the production of uranium dioxide to supply the fabrication process of fuel assemblies for CNA I, CNA II and CNE NPPs. It also manufactures sealed Co-60 sources.

FIG. 2. Technical relations and supply connections among CNEA, NA-SA, supplier companies and ARN.

In 2017, the generation of nuclear power achieved by NA-SA was of 6161 GWh, representing 5.4% of Argentina’s total electric generation. Of the total nuclear share, 2 533 015 MWh were produced by CNA I, while the remaining 3 628 220 MWh were produced by CNA II.

TABLE 5. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

*The decline of the UCF of CNE is because during 2017 it did not operate due to life extension tasks, which started on 31 December 2015.

** The value is low because the plant went out of service for four months during 2017

CNA I: Throughout its lifetime, improvements in the facility design were implemented, such as: replacement of all fuel assemblies in fuel channels, construction of a second ultimate heat sink, construction of a second temporary spent fuel pool, and the modification of the third circuit. Also, in 1996, the change of the original fuel design from natural uranium to slightly enriched uranium resulted in a 40% reduction in fuel consumption and a reduction in cost of approximately 30%. This allowed the extension of the spent fuel pool time limit before reaching its maximum capacity. Subsequently, the plant was repowered with 5 MW(e) during 2013, due to the redesign of the generator’s high pressure stage blades. In 2003, a second heat sink, a system that enabled the management of small loss of coolant accidents, was put in place.

Currently, the spent fuel elements dry storage reservoir, which is necessary when completing the cooling stage in pools, is under construction. Moreover, based on the lessons learned from the Fukushima Daiichi NPP accident, safety measures were implemented, for example, through the installation of hydrogen recombiners to manage a severe accident. A new emergency electric system is in place and a pump has been installed in the guaranteed secondary circuit.

On 12 April 2018, CNA I obtained an operating licence extension from ARN. The new authorization allows the plant to operate for five years of full power generation or until 29 September 2024, the end date of the current periodic safety review, whichever occurs first.

Regarding life management, the activities developed in the framework of the IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Programme must be mentioned. Since 2009, activities devoted to the support of ageing management for long term operation and the enhancement of NPP life management have been performed.

CNE: On 31 December 2015, the first operational cycle of the NPP concluded, after 30 years of operation, with a net load factor of 79.04%. It was decided to begin the last stage of the life extension project. The objective of the project has been to extend the NPP operation by 25 to 30 years and to increase its electric power by approximately 35 MW(e). In this context, CNE has developed a set of actions linked to the facility’s life management and has completed a life and ageing assessment for different systems. The major working areas to be developed in the project were: revision of pressure and calandria tubes, feeders, steam generators and repowering.

CNA II: From a design and construction perspective, CNA II has updated safety systems and concepts. On 29 May 2014, ARN granted the startup licence, and on 21 May 2016 a commercial operating licence was also granted by ARN. CNA II started its operation and plant life management activities are performed on a regular basis.

There are no reactors reaching shutdown phase in Argentina.

TABLE 6. STATUS OF DECOMMISSIONING PROCESS OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

In August 2006, the federal Government supported the national nuclear programme reactivation focusing in the production of nuclear energy and the development of nuclear applications for public health, industry and agriculture. To that end, as mentioned in Section 2.1.1., Law No. 26 566 was sanctioned.

Since its creation in 1950, CNEA has made constant progress towards technological autonomy in the field of nuclear reactors. The first PHWR nuclear power plant — CNA I, with KWU-Siemens technology — began commercial operation in June 1974, reaching a national participation of 36.7% of its total cost.

CNE (using Canada deuterium–uranium (CANDU) technology) was connected to the network in January 1984. That decision was based on technology transfer agreements with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited, and continuing with the policy of promoting national participation, 51% was reached.

CNA II began operating at 100% capacity on 18 February 2015. Its construction began at the end of 1979 and was stopped in 1994, with 80% of civil works completed. The CNA II project, which was completed in 2014, represented a great challenge for Argentine engineering and was the mainstay of the reactivation of nuclear activity, reaching 88% national participation.

In February 2019, CNE re-entered the Argentine interconnection system after a life extension process. In this way, its second operating cycle began for a 30 years period, also with a significant national participation. The plant life extension is widely justified from the economic and financial point of view since its investment cost was less than 50% of that of a new NPP.

Regarding the CAREM SMR Project, it is worth mentioning that it is the first NPP fully designed and constructed by Argentina and has an advance rate of 56%. Among the main objectives of the project are: to demonstrate the functionality of the concept, on a smaller scale than that projected for commercial modules; to generate capabilities for the development of nuclear projects within CNEA, its associated companies and Argentina’s private industry; commercial operation of nationally designed NPPs; and to repeat the success obtained with the research reactors exported, thus consolidating Argentina as world reference on SMRs.

On the other hand, Argentina has undertaken feasibility studies to incorporate evolutionary light water reactor designs into its fleet in the short term, taking into account the implications of domestic and foreign policy, and the technological, economic and human resources points of view. Their adoption will enhance and optimize the national nuclear fuel cycle capabilities, by using both technologies. Competition among suppliers is being promoted to achieve technology transfer, favourable economic and financial terms, as well as component and critical supplies guarantees.

In this sense, conversations with foreign vendors are maintained on the basis of local capabilities and considering local industry involvement, particularly with regard to the nuclear fuel cycle. Therefore, in compliance with Law No. 26 566 that establishes the installation of a fourth plant with one or two modules, it was decided to start negotiations with CNNC to build a Hualong Power Reactor (HPR-1000).

Subsequently, for technical, economic and financial reasons, the national government decided to negotiate with CNNC, in order to develop a strategy focused on achieving the maximum possible local participation and the manufacture of future fuel elements of national origin.

Regarding CAREM, the strategy is focused on the engineering development. In all the options under consideration, the modules respect the original design and share common facilities in order to achieve an investment reduction of approximately 25%.

The incorporation of PWR reactors will improve and optimize the capabilities of the national nuclear fuel cycle, using both technologies, in order to maintain a minimum nuclear generation share of 10% to 2050.

Table 7 summarizes the planned nuclear power plants, indicating their relevant characteristics and schedules.

TABLE 7. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

The Argentine nuclear energy programme is directly supported by the national Government. According to Law No. 24 804, the Argentine State is responsible for designing nuclear policies, carrying out R&D activities and regulating and controlling nuclear activities through two independent public entities, CNEA and ARN. NA-SA is responsible for Argentine NPPs operation.

The Ministry of Treasury, the Under Secretariat of Nuclear Energy and NA-SA are the agencies and institutions carrying out the procurement of the fourth nuclear power plant, linking with existing suppliers of the international market and with specialists on specific nuclear issues. CNEA plays a special role in this process, particularly regarding the nuclear fuel cycle.

The government analyses financing issues with suppliers, considering a range of options to decide how to proceed with future nuclear projects. The details of these discussions are commercially sensitive.

In all discussions with suppliers, it is stressed that whenever negotiations are carried out, participation of local industry, transfer of technology and construction of fuel elements in the country are always relevant issues.

For near future activities, the following financing sources have been identified:

• CNE life extension and repowering: This project has been financed by the Latin American Development Bank. In 2010, this entity approved funding of $240 million to extend the life of the power plant. However, this funding represents only part of the total; the most significant part is covered with contributions from the national treasury.

• CAREM project: A trust administration agreement was signed between CNEA and the National Bank. Funds for CAREM are provided by the national treasury.

• Future NPPs: Several funding options are taken into account. These include: the possibility of generating trusts, with national public financial institutions, and international financing schemes.

The supplier of the fourth plant will contribute 85% of the necessary funds and the rest will be of local origin. For this purpose, financial engineering is being carried out to determine the origin of the local contribution.

Argentina will implement new siting for its future NPPs. Some of the sites surveyed so far warrant the installation of a high voltage grid in order to connect future NPPs with the national grid.

CAMMESA is the company responsible for the planning of future expansions of existing networks based on new projects for the short, medium and long term. It is not necessary to create new lines for the CAREM 25 SMR Project, but for the fourth plant, a new line was planned with its node and its corresponding transformation stations.

Sources:

National Atomic Energy Commission,

https://www.argentina.gob.ar/comision-nacional-de-energia-atomica

Compańía Administradora del Mercado Mayorista Eléctrico S.A.,

Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A.,

NA-SA acquired land on the border property where the CNA I and CNA II plants are located at the Atucha Nuclear Complex with the purpose of installing future nuclear power plants. The fourth plant will be located in the same place next to CNA II. The prototype of the CAREM 25 SMR is also under construction next to CAN I and CAN II . Cooling water in all cases comes from the Paraná de Las Palmas River.

The Under Secretariat of Nuclear Energy, with the technical support of CNEA, NA-SA and INVAP S.E., is working on the necessary studies to identify possible sites, taking into account both technical aspects and social factors, local conditions and participation of interested actors.

Recently, there has been a strong campaign, led by the federal Government and associated agencies, to promote the benefits of the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. In this regard — taking into account the possibility of the construction of new NPPs in Argentina, as well as the country’s visibility as an international vendor of nuclear technology (e.g. research reactor exports) — public awareness and public opinion in relation to nuclear energy and the associated companies has improved.

It is also worth mentioning that open information/transparency is guaranteed by law as well as promoted and provided by the federal Government, particularly regarding nuclear policies, associated projects and specific agency activities. The main nuclear organizations promote access to detailed information on their activities, facilities and ongoing projects as well as public visits to their facilities. For more information regarding public awareness, see Section 2.10.

CNEA, as the national institution devoted to R&D in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, fosters technologically innovative activities in the nuclear area and consequently performs development and transfer of new technologies in associated fields. One of its main aims has been to provide robust technological support to the country’s nuclear system.

Argentina has engaged in a wide array of R&D activities in the fields of physical sciences, chemistry, radiobiology, metallurgy, science and technology of materials and engineering. In particular, CNEA’s capabilities in radioisotope production, applications and ionizing radiation underscore its experience as a world strategic leader in the field of nuclear applications in human health.

As the nuclear activity in Argentina is a federal activity, several facilities of the nuclear fuel cycle are scattered across the national territory. It is important to mention that the following centres concentrate the main activities developed by CNEA:

• Bariloche Atomic Centre (Centro Atómico Bariloche) is mainly devoted to research, development and training of human resources in the fields of physics and nuclear engineering.

• Constituyentes Atomic Centre (Centro Atómico Constituyentes) performs activities within basic research and technological development, focusing on interdisciplinary activities such as micro and nanotechnology.

• Ezeiza Atomic Centre (Centro Atómico Ezeiza), located in Ezeiza district, is mainly devoted to nuclear technology applications development.

• Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex, located in the province of Río Negro, is devoted to uranium enrichment activities and other technological activities.

In total, Argentina operates five research reactors, one in each nuclear research centre and two at public national universities.

Sources:

National Atomic Energy Commission,

Ezeiza Atomic Centre,

Bariloche Atomic Centre,

Balseiro Institute,

Sábato Institute,

Dan Beninson Nuclear Technological Institute,

https://ibeninson.cnea.edu.ar

CNEA organizes research and technological activities for scientific development in different fields. These activities involve advanced projects related to nuclear activity and its applications.

Argentina has designed and is building the CAREM SMR. It is the first nuclear power reactor fully designed by Argentina (CNEA), seeking to promote local capacities for the development and commissioning of nuclear power plants. Likewise, with the CAREM Project the Argentine nuclear sector is emerging as one of the world leaders in the SMR segment. At the beginning of 2014, the structural construction of the civil works started. For further information, see Sections 2.1.1 and 2.3.1.

Argentina has been a Member State of the IAEA since 1957 and has gradually developed a nuclear energy policy in line with international conventions and treaties in the nuclear field.

Argentina has strengthened its participation in multilateral forums such as the Nuclear Suppliers Group, the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation, the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism and the Generation IV International Forum.

Argentina also participates in the Ibero-American Forum of Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Agencies (Foro Iberoamericano de Organismos Reguladores Radiológicos y Nucleares) and the CANDU Senior Regulators Group.

On 1 September 2017, Argentina officially joined the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency. Argentina is currently an active participant in its meetings and working groups.

The scope of international cooperation in the area of nuclear energy development and its application is extensive among the main entities that perform 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 maintain a special link with the IAEA. It also must be stressed that Argentina has developed strong ties with Latin American countries, promoted in part by the IAEA through the Technical Cooperation Programme projects in the Latin America and the Caribbean region, also through the projects under the Regional Cooperation Agreement for the Promotion of Nuclear Science and Technology in Latin America and the Caribbean (ARCAL) and through initiatives launched and developed by CNEA. Every year, CNEA receives an important number of foreign students and professionals, mainly from Latin American countries, Africa and Asia, who participate in the scholarship programme which is supported by the IAEA.

Bilateral cooperation is developed according to three axes: (a) interaction with countries with a long history in the nuclear field; (b) assistance to newcomer countries; and (c) collaboration and complementarity activities with countries with an expanding nuclear programme.

The first objective is achieved by participating in technological development projects with agencies of nuclear countries in order to promote local technological development. The second axis is completed by cooperating with newcomer countries with the objective of promoting knowledge of Argentine nuclear technology overseas, and at the same time achieving a commercial purpose by opening up potential markets for the national nuclear sector. The third axis is achieved by complementing and integrating efforts in search of synergies and economies of scale. NA-SA has a special collaboration agreement with the Brazilian Electronuclear company, sharing Brazilian and Argentine work during the outages at the nuclear stations in Brazil and Argentina, as well as other issues of interest for both countries.

Within the context of its regulating task, ARN also has a close and diverse interaction with national and foreign organizations, both governmental and non-governmental.

In 1994, the State designated a governmental, autonomous and technically independent institution for the exclusive exercise of these functions in order to differentiate its own regulatory role from that of the regulated organizations. Therefore, Decree No. 1540 of 1994 established the National Nuclear Regulatory Agency (Ente Nacional Regulador Nuclear) until the promulgation on 23 April 1997 of Law No. 24 804, which established the current ARN. This law states that the State sets the regulation policy and control of the nuclear industry by means of ARN. Decree No. 1390 of 27 November 1998 regulates this law by defining its scope and procedures that facilitate its application.

ARN acts as an autonomous agency within the jurisdiction of the President and is subject to the public comptroller. In compliance with article 7 of the law, ARN is in charge of regulating and controlling the activities undertaken by the nuclear industry in all areas related to nuclear and radiation safety; protection, physical security and control of the use of nuclear materials; and licensing and control of nuclear installations and international safeguards. The law states that the regulation and control of nuclear industry activity is subject to ‘national jurisdiction’.

ARN regulates and controls the activities undertaken in the nuclear industry in Argentina and ensures its compliance with the binding regulations in order to do the following:

• Protect people, the environment and future generations from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation;

• Guarantee that nuclear materials are used only for authorized peaceful purposes;

• Advise the national executive power in the field of nuclear industry.

With these objectives in mind, ARN fulfils the following activities:

• Establishes a regulatory framework;

• Issues, suspends or revokes licences for installations and personnel;

• Oversees and controls, by means of inspections, evaluations and regulatory audits;

• Monitors the environment around the nuclear facilities and other sites of interest;

• Intervenes in case of emergencies at the national, provincial or municipal level;

• Manages training and education related to the regulatory act;

• Authorizes imports and exports of all radioactive materials.

Facilities overseen by ARN have different aims, such as: electricity generation; fabrication of fuel elements for nuclear reactors; radioisotope production; radiation source production; sterilization of medical materials; and the use and application of ionizing sources in medicine, industry, and basic and applied research.

The licensing process classifies facilities as Class I, II and III, differentiated on the basis of radiation risk and the risk associated with technological complexity.

For Class I and II facilities, ARN grants licences, and for Class III facilities it grants records, according to the binding regulatory regulations AR 0.0.1. and AR 0.11.1.

Class I facilities require the following types of authorization to be granted: building licence, startup licence, operating licence and decommissioning licence. These facilities must operate with an operating licence, and their personnel must have the individual licences and specific authorizations to have posts that have a significant influence on safety.

Class II facilities require an operating licence issued to the institution responsible for the practice with radioactive material or with ionizing radiation. Additionally, it is necessary that the responsible staff hold specific individual permits for specific practices.

Source:

Nuclear Regulatory Authority,

www.argentina.gob.ar/arn/