Research from the field
Irma Argüello

Latin America relies on hydropower and fossil fuels as its main source of electrical energy.

Nuclear power in terms of total electrical generation is exiguous at about 2% and is concentrated in only three countries: Argentina, Brazil and Mexico.

Nonetheless, plans to expand nuclear capabilities in these countries have been announced, and other regional governments are considering the alternative of nuclear energy to meet their growing electricity needs.

The present global scenario also opens an opportunity for the region to carry out a progressive and ordered diversification of its current electrical power sources.  Realistic goals must be set to control the inherent nuclear risks – safety, security, and proliferation – which a rushed expansion could exacerbate.

Today, 439 power plants operate in 31 countries, 6 of them in Latin America: Laguna Verde I y II en Mexico, Angra I y II en Brasil, y Atucha I y el Embalse en Argentina.

Read full article originally published in the Newsletter Research from the Field,

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