Title: Nuclear energy in Argentina

Authors: Gabriel N. Barcelo

Addresses: Comision Nacional de Energia Atomica/Libertador 8250, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Abstract: After early interest in the possible uses of uranium in 1937, Argentina|s scientists and politicians showed an inclination to support nuclear development that has kept quite steady compared with other areas. The Argentinean government prohibited the export of uranium in 1945, because of the emerging possibility of producing nuclear energy. The creation of the Atomic Energy Commission soon followed, and the first experimental reactor was set critical in 1958. Since then, nuclear development has allowed the successful operation of two nuclear power reactors, a quite integrated nuclear fuel cycle, and sustained activity in the development, production and use of radioisotopes. Nowadays an Argentinean company competes with success in the experimental nuclear reactor market. After a period in which the nuclear sector has been largely ignored in the official interest, Argentina|s authorities have launched a comprehensive plan intended to rehabilitate all aspects of nuclear activity.

Keywords: achievements; Argentina; CNEA; engineering; nuclear industry; INVAP; nuclear energy; nuclear reactors; physics; project; research and development; R&D; uranium; nuclear power.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNGEE.2007.016660

International Journal of Nuclear Governance, Economy and Ecology, 2007 Vol.1 No.4, pp.404 - 437

Published online: 11 Jan 2008 *

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