Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A., the state-owned company in charge of the country's nuclear power plants, welcomed the designated Canadian ambassador, Stewart Ross Wheeler, at the Embalse Nuclear Power Plant, located in the province of Córdoba.
The visit, which also included representatives from Canadian companies AtkinsRéalis and Candu Energy Inc., aimed to share experiences and showcase Argentina's capabilities in the operation, maintenance, and life extension of nuclear power plants with CANDU technology.
This meeting, of great significance, reinforces the Government of Javier Milei's commitment to positioning the country as a key player in the global nuclear industry.
Nucleoeléctrica's official statement highlighted the importance of this visit: "Showcasing our capabilities in the operation, maintenance, and life extension of CANDU plants to the world is essential for establishing ourselves as a global provider of specialized services".
La visita a la Central Nuclear Embalse.
Argentina, which has operated the Embalse Nuclear Power Plant with a CANDU reactor since 1984, has accumulated decades of experience in this Canadian-origin technology, known for its safety and efficiency.
During the tour, visitors were able to see firsthand the advancements made by the Argentine team, including the successful Embalse life extension project, completed in 2019, which allowed its operation to be extended by another 30 years.
Alberto Lamagna, president of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina and part of the team of presidential advisor Santiago Caputo, emphasized the strategic nature of the visit: "We welcomed the designated Canadian ambassador, Stewart Ross Wheeler, and representatives from AtkinsRéalis and Candu Energy Inc at Embalse".
He added: "An opportunity to showcase our capabilities and establish Nucleoeléctrica as a global provider of specialized services for CANDU".
This exchange not only strengthens bilateral ties with Canada, a recognized nuclear power known for its technological development, but also opens the door to potential cooperation agreements and export of specialized services, an objective aligned with the current government's priorities.
Nuclear energy is an essential pillar in Argentina's energy matrix, contributing about 9% of the national electricity through the Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse plants.
La visita a la Central Nuclear Embalse.
In addition to its contribution to energy stability, this source stands out for its low environmental impact, as it doesn't emit greenhouse gases during its operation.
In a world where electricity demand is rapidly growing, driven, among other factors, by the rise of artificial intelligence and data centers, nuclear energy offers a reliable and economically sustainable solution.
Government Initiatives
Under the leadership of President Javier Milei, the Government has promoted the Argentine Nuclear Plan as part of a strategy to revitalize the sector after years of limited investment.
This plan, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), includes the construction of small modular reactors (SMR), the development of uranium reserves for self-sufficiency and export, and the pursuit of international financing for projects like Atucha III.
Milei's Government has repeatedly emphasized that nuclear energy not only ensures clean energy but also positions Argentina as a potential technological hub, leveraging its human talent and natural resources.
For Nucleoeléctrica, this meeting is a step forward in its goal of becoming a global provider of specialized services, while Milei's Government aims to transform Argentina into a regional leader in energy innovation.
"Nuclear energy drives the energy future of our country", concluded Nucleoeléctrica in its statement.
