The Latin American and Caribbean Energy Organization (OLACDE) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) held a webinar titled Perspectives for Nuclear Energy in Latin America and the Caribbean. This event addressed the crucial role of nuclear energy in decarbonizing the energy matrices of the region. It emphasized international trends and the potential of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, and Andrés Rebolledo, Executive Secretary of OLACDE, participated in the event’s opening, highlighting the relevance of nuclear energy in accelerating the transition to clean energy in the region. Also present were Thiago Barral, Brazil’s National Secretary for Energy Transition and Planning, and Daniel Álvarez, General Director of Energy, Hydrocarbons, and Mines of El Salvador.
Rafael Mariano Grossi emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in the global energy matrix, highlighting its potential in Latin America and the Caribbean. He noted that currently, 415 nuclear reactors operate in 31 countries, with a capacity of approximately 374 GW, providing 25% of the global low-carbon electricity production. In Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico), seven reactors operate with a combined capacity of 5 GW. Grossi highlighted that projections from the agency he leads foresee an increase in nuclear capacity by 2.5 times by 2050, and in Latin America and the Caribbean, the expansion will involve both extending the life of existing plants and developing new projects. He also highlighted that SMRs are the future in many regions, with developments underway in the U.S., China, Russia, and South Korea, and countries like El Salvador exploring their implementation.
Thiago Barral emphasized Brazil’s commitment to the energy transition and highlighted nuclear energy as key to a resilient matrix. He mentioned the extension of Angra 1’s lifespan, the reactivation of Angra 3, and the interest in SMRs. Additionally, Brazil positions itself as a relevant actor in uranium production and supports the creation of a regional forum for energy planning in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Meanwhile, Daniel Álvarez highlighted the opportunity for El Salvador in adopting nuclear energy, driven by the need to diversify its energy matrix and address challenges such as droughts and fuel price fluctuations. He mentioned the international support received and a plan to build a nuclear reactor by 2030, training 400 specialists. He stressed the importance of reducing energy costs to attract investment and improve services like the health sector through the use of radioisotopes.
Andrés Rebolledo emphasized the renewed interest in nuclear energy in the region. He noted technological advancements that address safety concerns and highlighted the relevance of nuclear energy in a context of energy security and sovereignty. Additionally, he valued Latin America and the Caribbean’s leadership in clean energies and the need to diversify their energy sources, considering nuclear energy as an important additional option for the future.
OLACDE and IAEA highlighted the importance of technical cooperation and the development of capacities, infrastructure, and financing as key elements to advancing clean energy transitions, emphasizing the strategic role that SMRs can play in Latin America and the Caribbean
Watch the webinar at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/live/XSGgOJREiNM
