Argentina sets course for nuclear power, enrichment

Aug 23, 2006, 17:36 GMT

Buenos Aires - Argentina plans to spend 3.5 billion dollars to expand nuclear power generation and enrich uranium over the next eight years to meet growing energy needs, according to a report Wednesday in the newspaper Clarin.

The plan calls for the country's third nuclear power plant, Atucha II, to be ready after 25 years of construction. Building of another plant with 1,000 megawatt capacity is to begin in 2010. The country also plans to resume uranium enrichment after a hiatus of more than 20 years, the newspaper reported, quoting government sources.

An official presentation of the project is expected.

Argentina's gas and oil reserves are nearly used up, and experts warn of shortages in the wake of booming economic growth of the past years and lagging investments in energy provision.

The programme is aimed at peaceful use of atomic energy, and is in accord with international rules, the newspaper wrote. The enrichment of uranium produces weapons-grade material, an issue in the current international confrontation with Iran and its nuclear programme.

The environmental organization Greenpeace criticized the plans of President Nestor Kirchner's government.

The antiquated and dangerous nuclear technology is not capable of addressing the country's energy problems, the group said.

The group pushed for expansion of wind power. Experts also point out the large potential for energy saving measures. But because energy prices are artificially held low in Argentina, there's little incentive for people to improve insulation at home and spend money on new energy-efficient appliances.