Argentine President Javier Milei announced the start of construction of the first nuclear reactor, which will be fully financed by private capital. The project is estimated to cost $1.2 billion (€1.051.85 million) and will create 2000 jobs.
Project Details and Investments
A Presidential representative, Adrián Javier, stated at a press conference that Meitner Energy, which has American and Argentine capital, is investing $1.2 billion in the construction of a 300-megawatt modular nuclear reactor at the Atucha facilities, located north of Buenos Aires.
Social Conflict in the Energy Sector
This announcement came amid social tension within the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA), caused by layoffs. Martín Porro, president of CNEA, dismissed 61 employees last week, who were primarily involved in administrative functions. This decision provoked protests in front of the institution.
Scale of Reductions and Budgetary Changes
According to the Association of Public Employees (ATE), about one hundred out of 3000 CNEA employees were laid off last week, and two managers also resigned. These reductions are part of the austerity measures implemented by Milei in most sectors, including the nuclear industry. According to information cited by the Argentine media Chequeado, the CNEA budget has been cut by 58% since Milei took office in 2023.
Current State of Nuclear Energy
Argentina operates three nuclear power plants: Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse, which provide about 8% of the country's electricity generation. In Latin America, only Brazil and Mexico possess this technology.
