The memorandum of understanding and cooperation on the nuclear plant construction in Argentina was signed in April 2015. “Our plans hold good and are not canceled. At present, Argentina operates three nuclear stations. The new project provides for the construction of three more units, one of them to be built in partnership with Russia,” Coronelli said. “We are now in the process of drafting an agreement between the governments of our countries. Rosatom’s experts and representatives involved in negotiations regularly fly to Argentina, and talks run their course. It is too early to speak about the deadline, but I believe that the document will be prepared by the year end. I do not want to rush things though as much depends on the experts involved.”

The ambassador also mentioned supplies of low enriched nuclear fuel and components for research purposes. “First of all, this concerns shipments of zirconium components and metallic uranium for Argentinean research reactors. The first step was made in late 2015 when the contract was signed to supply metallic uranium for an Argentinean-designed reactor constructed in Algeria. The contract will be performed during this year, but prospects are good in this field,” Coronelli said.

The memorandum of cooperation between Russia and Argentina sets the soonest signature of a nuclear station construction agreement as its priority goal. According to Rosatom CEO Sergei Kirienko, the work is already underway to draft the document. “We offer Argentina our latest III+ generation nuclear power technologies meeting the contemporary safety standards and showing greater economic efficiency. Backed by reliable operation of nuclear power plants, our unique expertise in nuclear construction is known all over the world. I am sure that the agreement we are working on will be mutually beneficial and focused on long-term cooperation that meets the needs of the parties,” he noted.