Atucha I: 51 Years of Nuclear Energy for the Country

Construction of Atucha I began in June 1968, and it was connected to the National Electric System on March 19, 1974. Commercial operation began on June 24 of the same year, marking the beginning of a journey of innovation and leadership in the nuclear sector.

Over more than five decades, the plant has been known for its high performance and reliability, establishing Argentina as a regional benchmark in nuclear power generation. Located in the town of Lima, Zárate District, Atucha I has a gross electrical output of 362 megawatts, exceeding its original design capacity of 319 megawatts.

Life Extension Project

In order to continue providing safe and reliable energy to the country, Nucleoeléctrica Argentina is carrying out the Atucha I Life Extension Project (LEP). This initiative will allow the plant to operate for an additional 20-year cycle, strengthening national energy security and positioning Argentina in the global nuclear services market.

The refurbishment outage, which began in 2024 and will last for 30 months, includes a series of key tasks: upgrading safety systems in accordance with the most demanding international standards, modernizing electronic and mechanical systems, replacing essential reactor and cooling system components, and reinforcing the structural integrity of the plant.

A legacy of innovation

Since its inauguration, Atucha I has been a symbol of the country’s technological progress, contributing base-load energy to the national electric system. The extension of its operating life reinforces Nucleoeléctrica’s commitment to safety, innovation, and energy efficiency, ensuring a reliable power supply for more than one million people.

With 51 years of history, Atucha I remains a cornerstone of Argentina’s nuclear development and continues to consolidate its role as a reference in the industry.