The future of nuclear power in Latin America
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the future prospects of nuclear power in Latin America. As part of the developing world, Latin America has a great potential for energy growth. Although there are substantial differences among the different countries of the area, one common denominator is the relatively low per-capita energy consumption. As in many other regions of the world, nuclear power makes sense to complement hydro and fossil-fueled power generation. One of the main restrictions to the growth of nuclear power has been the relatively small size of some electric system. As in most developing countries, the damage to the environment due to the energy-producing systems is very important. In countries like Cuba, nuclear power is clearly the most economical source, since the country lacks indigenous energy resources and the need to import primary energy sources favors nuclear power. The problem of the Latin American region is a severe shortage of financial resources. Standardization has been recognized as one of the better mechanisms to lower nuclear power costs. Argentina has been proposing the construction of CANDU-type reactors as the basis for their standard program, and some years ago Mexico took steps to launch a program for the installation of {approx}20 identical units. As in the whole world, the general public is reluctant to accept nuclear power. So far, nuclear power plants have been important to Latin America, with varying levels of local participation, but with imported technology. Unless a major scientific breakthrough takes place, nuclear power will constitute an important component of the energy system in Latin America.
- OSTI ID:
- 5559183
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-8810179-; CODEN: TANSA; TRN: 89-027936
- Journal Information:
- Transactions of the American Nuclear Society; (USA), Vol. 58; Conference: International conference on nuclear fission: fifty years of progress in energy security, Washington, DC (USA), 30 Oct - 4 Nov 1988; ISSN 0003-018X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
LATIN AMERICA
NUCLEAR POWER
TECHNOLOGY UTILIZATION
CANDU TYPE REACTORS
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ECONOMIC IMPACT
ELECTRICITY
ENERGY ANALYSIS
ENERGY SOURCE DEVELOPMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
HYDROELECTRIC POWER
IMPORTS
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
PUBLIC OPINION
PWR TYPE REACTORS
REACTOR COMPONENTS
SAFETY
STANDARDIZATION
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
ELECTRIC POWER
ENERGY SOURCES
HEAVY WATER MODERATED REACTORS
NUCLEAR FACILITIES
POWER
POWER PLANTS
PRESSURE TUBE REACTORS
REACTORS
RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES
THERMAL POWER PLANTS
THERMAL REACTORS
WATER COOLED REACTORS
WATER MODERATED REACTORS
290600* - Energy Planning & Policy- Nuclear Energy