Atucha I nuclear plant completes 17,000 tasks for life extension

The Atucha I Nuclear Power Plant in Zárate, Argentina, has completed over 17,000 tasks as part of a life extension project aimed at extending its electricity generation capacity for an additional 20 years.

Following its shutdown in September 2024 after 50 years of continuous operation, the facility has undergone extensive renovations. These include upgrading the reactor protection system, modernizing the electrical grid, inspecting steam generators, and improving cooling systems for spent fuel pools. Additionally, a new engineering building was constructed to accommodate 180 workstations.

A major milestone is scheduled for early 2027, when the plant will undergo nuclear fuel reloading. This step is essential for returning the plant to active power generation. All completed works must be documented and evaluated by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority to secure a new operating license. Nucleoeléctrica Argentina, which also operates the Atucha II and Embalse plants, noted that this project follows the successful life extension of the Embalse plant.