According to Technical Note No. 13 of the Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE), entitled \u201cA Look at Nuclear Energy as a Firm Energy Source in the Energy Transitions of Latin America and the Caribbean,\u201d nuclear energy reaffirms its relevance as a firm, reliable, and low-CO\u2082-emission energy source, essential to achieving the region\u2019s energy transition goals.<\/p>\n
The document highlights the strategic role that nuclear energy can play in diversifying the regional energy matrix by reducing dependence on fossil-fuel-based thermal power plants. Currently, its use for electricity generation in Latin America and the Caribbean is concentrated exclusively in Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, which together account for a total installed capacity of 5,353 MW, representing only 1% of the region\u2019s total installed capacity.<\/p>\n
Argentina has 1,755 MW, equivalent to 4% of its installed capacity, and has extended the operating life of key plants such as Embalse by an additional 30 years. Brazil has 1,900 MW, representing 1% of its installed capacity, while Mexico operates 1,608 MW through the Laguna Verde Nuclear Power Plant, owned by the Federal Electricity Commission (CFE).<\/p>\n
Despite its currently low participation, several countries in the region that do not yet have this technology are actively considering it in their medium- and long-term expansion plans. One such example is Ecuador, which has signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to explore the peaceful use of nuclear energy and advance the diversification of its energy matrix.<\/p>\n
Nevertheless, the development of nuclear energy in the region faces significant challenges, including financial viability due to the high investments required for construction, operation, and decommissioning; the strengthening of a robust regulatory and safety framework, with independent authorities and compliance with international treaties such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and IAEA agreements; the long-term safe management of radioactive waste; the training of highly specialized human resources; and social and political acceptance, which requires public participation processes, transparency, and continuous communication.<\/p>\n
OLACDE underscores that countries choosing to develop this technology must build a comprehensive infrastructure, including clear policies for the entire fuel cycle, decommissioning plans from the project design stage, as well as a solid system for safety and radiological protection, ensuring that nuclear energy can contribute responsibly and sustainably to the energy transition of Latin America and the Caribbean.<\/p>\n