Embalse Nuclear Power Station
The Embalse Nuclear Power Station (Spanish: Central Nuclear Embalse) is a critical component of Argentina's energy infrastructure. Located on the southern shore of a reservoir on the Río Tercero, near the city of Embalse in Córdoba, the facility sits approximately 110 km south-southwest of Córdoba City. As one of three operational nuclear plants in the country, it provides a stable source of electricity and essential medical isotopes.
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Technical Specifications and Reactor Design
The facility utilizes a CANDU Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), a design supplied by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited. Unlike many other reactor types, the CANDU system employs natural uranium (containing 0.72% U) as fuel. It uses heavy water—a form of water where the hydrogen atoms are replaced by deuterium—to serve as both the coolant and the neutron moderator, which slows down neutrons to sustain the nuclear chain reaction.
The plant operates with a thermal capacity of 2,015 MWt. Following its recent modernization, it features a gross capacity of 683 MW and a nameplate net capacity of 635 MW. In 2009, the station recorded an annual net output of 5,192 GW·h.
Beyond Electricity: Cobalt-60 Production
While power generation is its primary role, Embalse is globally significant for the production of cobalt-60. This radioisotope is vital for industrial applications and medical treatments, specifically in cancer therapy. Due to this capability, Argentina ranks as one of the world's leading producers and exporters of cobalt-60, alongside Russia and Canada.
Operational History and Life Extension
Construction of the plant began in 1974 through a partnership between an Italian-Canadian consortium. Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) served as the turn-key supplier for the nuclear components, while Italimpianti handled the conventional construction. The reactor reached its first criticality on March 13, 1983, and was officially declared commercial on January 20, 1984.
After approximately 30 years of continuous operation, the plant was taken offline on December 31, 2015, to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment. A key part of this life extension project was the replacement of four steam generators, the final two of which arrived on September 1, 2016. These upgrades were designed to extend the plant's operational life by another 30 years. The station successfully restarted on January 4, 2019, with an upgraded power capacity.
Key Facts
- Location: Córdoba, Argentina, on the Río Tercero reservoir.
- Operator: Nucleoeléctrica Argentina Sociedad Anónima.
- Reactor Type: CANDU Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR).
- Fuel: Natural uranium (0.72% U).
- Net Capacity: 635 MW.
- Special Output: Major global producer of cobalt-60 for cancer therapy.
- Life Extension: Restarted in 2019 after replacing four steam generators.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Commission Date | January 20, 1984 |
| Thermal Capacity | 2,015 MWt |
| Gross Capacity | 683 MW |
| Net Capacity | 635 MW |
| Annual Net Output (2009) | 5,192 GW·h |
| Reactor Supplier | Atomic Energy of Canada Limited |
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of reactor does Embalse use?
Embalse uses a CANDU Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR), which utilizes heavy water for cooling and moderation and runs on natural uranium.
What is the significance of cobalt-60 produced at the plant?
Cobalt-60 is a radioisotope used extensively in industrial applications and medicine, particularly for cancer therapy. Argentina is one of the top global exporters of this isotope.
Why was the plant taken offline in 2015?
The plant was shut down to complete its first 30-year operating cycle and undergo a major refurbishment, including the replacement of its four steam generators, to extend its life for another 30 years.
Who operates the Embalse Nuclear Power Station?
The facility is operated by Nucleoeléctrica Argentina Sociedad Anónima.
When did the plant return to service after refurbishment?
The plant was restarted on January 4, 2019, with an upgraded gross capacity of 683 MW.