Argentina - a possible return to new nuclear?

摘要

In common with its South American neighbour Brazil (see NEI August pp. 12-13), Argentina was an early entrant into the nuclear game. Then, as in Brazil, the programme subsequently slowed dramatically before it got beyond two operating reactors. In contrast with Brazil, however, Argentina has not benefited from a strong economic performance in recent years, and has if anything cemented its reputation as a formerly relatively rich nation has that somehow lapsed into developing country status. Nevertheless, it's a huge country in area, with a population of 40 million, with a high degree of established nuclear expertise. It has always expressed great interest in a larger nuclear programme to satisfy the demand for reliable, affordable power, but still needs to demonstrate that it can solidly achieve this.