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Russia and Argentina Sign Broad-Ranging Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
15 July 2014
(LPAC)—Russia’s Rosatom director general, Sergei Kiriyenko, and Argentina’s Minister of Planning, Investments and Services Julio de Vido, signed a broad-ranging document on nuclear cooperation on July 12, during President Putin’s visit to Buenos Aires. The agreement "will become a strong foundation for close cooperation" in nuclear energy, Putin said at a press conference, as reported by World Nuclear News. The document replaces an agreement that expired in December 2012, but greatly expands the areas of bilateral nuclear cooperation. The design, construction, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear power plants and research reactors are included, as well as "water desalination facilities." There is also Russian support for the nuclear fuel cycle (which could include enrichment and reprocessing technology), radioactive waste management, and radioactive isotope production. Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak, told reporters that Rosatom has submitted a technical and commercial proposal to participate in the construction of the Atucha-III nuclear plant, and is expected to offer a commercial tender in the Fall. Argentina has also been in discussions with both China and South Korea on nuclear plant cooperation. What may well tip the balance concerning which nation’s nuclear industry will be engaged to work on Argentina’s next nuclear power plant, is options for financing. Argentina’s cooperation agreement with China includes Chinese financing for President Putin is also expected to sign a nuclear agreement with Brazil, when he meets with President Dilma Rousseff. |