Nucleoeléctrica Argentina participated in the IAEA regional meeting on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Nucleoeléctrica Argentina participated in the Regional Meeting on Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency, held in Asunción, Paraguay. The meeting brought together representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean to analyze the potential of this technology and its integration into the region’s energy mix, with a focus on technological, regulatory, economic, and planning aspects.

In this context, the company’s President, Biochemist Juan Martín Campos, took part in the panel “Energy Project Planning and Investment Models in LAC, the potential for SMRs,” alongside representatives from regional energy organizations and companies. During his presentation, he shared Argentina’s experience in the development and operation of nuclear power plants and highlighted the value of these capabilities in supporting the deployment of new technologies across Latin America.

Campos emphasized one of the main challenges associated with SMR development: operational preparedness. In this regard, he noted that nuclear development begins long before reactor construction and involves establishing robust regulatory frameworks, developing local technical capabilities, and building organizations prepared to ensure safe operation from the outset. He also stressed that the existence of a regulatory body with strong technical capacity and public credibility is an essential requirement for advancing nuclear projects, especially in countries that do not yet have this technology.

The meeting also addressed key aspects such as project financing, investment models, fuel cycle development, institutional and regulatory frameworks, and human resource training. In this context, the role of public energy companies was highlighted as central to the planning and execution of nuclear projects in the region.

The Argentine delegation was led by the Secretary of Nuclear Affairs, Dr. Federico Ramos Napoli, and included representatives from the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), CONUAR, Dioxitek, and Uramerica, who participated in various working sessions related to nuclear program development and workforce training.

In line with the objectives of the meeting, Nucleoeléctrica Argentina reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and to developing capabilities that contribute to the safe and sustainable integration of nuclear energy in Latin America.