Nucleoelectrica Argentina Signed The Licensing Framework Agreement For The Long-Term Operation Of Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant
Nucleoeléctrica Argentina today signed the Licensing Framework Agreement for the long-term operation of Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant, a fundamental milestone for the life extension project that will allow the plant to continue 20 years more of safe, sustainable, and efficient power generation.
Friday 1 July 2022
The signature was carried out at the headquarters of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (ARN) and included the participation of the Board of Directors of the company and the regulatory body.
The conclusion of this document is a step of enormous importance for the life extension of the plant, since it consolidates the requirements of the ARN and the commitments assumed by Nucleoeléctrica Argentina regarding the tasks and issues of regulatory interest for the extension of the useful life of the plant.
During the meeting, the president of Nucleoeléctrica, José Luis Antúnez, pointed out: “We are launching the life extension of Atucha I. It is an award for a plant that has behaved wonderfully for 48 years. If anyone has any doubts about the useful life of nuclear power plants, Atucha I life extension is an example”.
The Life Extension Project
The operating license for Atucha I issued by the ARN will end in 2024, which will mark the end of its first useful life cycle. Since 2006, Nucleoeléctrica carried out the necessary studies that allowed us to conclude that it is feasible to extend the useful life of the plant for a new cycle of safe operation.
The refurbishment shutdown will take two years to be carried out between 2024 and 2026 and implies an investment of U$D 463 million, the creation of 2,000 jobs and the generation of opportunities for qualified national suppliers for construction and manufacturing tasks of components.
In addition, the extension of the plant's life will have a positive impact on the environment, since it will prevent the emission of 1 million tons of CO2 annually.
Atucha I
The construction of Atucha I began in June 1968 and became the first nuclear power plant in Argentina and Latin America.
Currently, it has a gross power of 362 electrical megawatts. The type of reactor is PHWR, it uses heavy water as coolant and moderator, and 0.85% slightly enriched uranium (ULE) as fuel.
Although it is the first Argentine nuclear power plant, all its safety systems were updated and comply with local and international requirements.
