Paraguay signs U.S. nuclear cooperation agreement amid rising energy demand

Paraguay has signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States to enhance its technological and scientific capabilities. Signed in Washington by Foreign Minister Rubén Ramírez Lezcano and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the memorandum focuses on technical cooperation, human resource training, and knowledge transfer rather than the immediate construction of nuclear plants. The initiative aims to build the necessary institutional and academic foundations for a future civilian nuclear program.

This strategic shift comes as Paraguay faces rising domestic energy demands. According to the National Electricity Administration (ANDE), electricity consumption in Paraguay grew by 18.2% between January and July 2026 compared to the previous year. In July alone, demand reached 2,587,086 MWh. While hydroelectric sources like Itaipú and Yacyretá remain the primary suppliers, the country is also integrating new sources, such as the solar photovoltaic plant in Puerto Esperanza.