Argentina and the United States took a new step in their strategic cooperation in energy matters with the holding in Buenos Aires of the 4th Annual FIRST Regional Workshop for Latin America and the Caribbean, an initiative aimed at promoting the responsible development of advanced nuclear technologies and strengthening regional energy security.
The meeting was jointly organized by the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) and the U.S. program Foundational Infrastructure for Responsible Use of Small Modular Reactor Technology (FIRST), with the support of Canada and the participation of representatives from numerous countries in the region.
A Commitment to the Energy of the Future
The FIRST program seeks to promote the responsible use of nuclear energy through the development of infrastructure, technical training, and international cooperation regarding small modular reactors (SMRs), a technology considered key for the global energy future.
Delegations from the following countries participated in the workshop:
Chile
Costa Rica
Ecuador
El Salvador
Jamaica
Mexico
Paraguay
Peru
Dominican Republic
Representatives from Argentina, the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom were also present.
Argentina and the United States deepen their strategic alliance in advanced nuclear energy.
The discussions focused on civil applications of small modular reactors, technology selection, nuclear safety, physical protection, non-proliferation, and opportunities to expand access to reliable energy in Latin America.
The United States Highlighted the Alliance with Argentina
The U.S. ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, emphasized the importance of bilateral cooperation and stated that both countries can play a central role in the development of the new generation of nuclear technology.
"The United States leads the development of advanced nuclear technology, and our partnership with Argentina creates jobs, investment, and new opportunities for both countries. Together we are demonstrating that the Americas can provide the nuclear solutions our hemisphere needs," he stated.
For his part, the U.S. Under Secretary of State, Christopher Yeaw, highlighted that the nuclear technologies developed by the United States and its allies are among the safest and most advanced in the world.
Argentina Consolidates Its Regional Nuclear Leadership
The Argentine government took advantage of the meeting to reaffirm the international prestige that the country maintains in nuclear matters after more than seven decades of scientific and technological development.
The Secretary of Nuclear Affairs of the Ministry of Economy, Federico Ramos Napoli, emphasized that Argentine experience constitutes a strategic asset for the entire region.
"Argentina has over seventy years of experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and we take pride in sharing that knowledge with our partners throughout Latin America," he stated.
In the same vein, the president of the CNEA, Martín Porro, highlighted that holding the event in Buenos Aires reflects the international recognition of Argentina's technical capabilities.
A Key Sector to Attract Investments and Generate Employment
Nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a strategic sector for economic growth, energy security, and technological development.
In an international context marked by the growing demand for electricity, the expansion of data centers linked to artificial intelligence, and the need to reduce pollutant emissions, small modular reactors emerge as an attractive alternative for many countries.
The cooperation between Argentina and the United States in this area reinforces the country's position as one of the main nuclear references in Latin America and opens new opportunities for investment, industrial development, and the generation of highly qualified employment.
