Argentina confirms launch of locally designed nuclear reactor in 2027

Argentina says its RA-10 multipurpose reactor will begin the start-up process before the end of the year and complete that process during the first months of 2027. Nuclear Affairs Secretary Federico Ramos Napoli announced the timetable at the Ezeiza Atomic Center, alongside a plan to bring private investment into the production facility linked to the reactor.

The RA-10 is the largest project developed by the National Atomic Energy Commission, or CNEA, in recent decades. CNEA owns the reactor technology and remains responsible for the project, while INVAP manages the project and provides specialized engineering services.

The project had stalled when the current administration began, with insufficient funding, suspended contracts and construction fronts on hold. Equipment and systems installation stood at 52%. After contracts and site work resumed, civil construction and engineering were completed, and installation advanced to 96%. Around 530 people now work on the project. Remaining tasks include finishing the installation and conducting tests on the reactor’s systems, followed by licensing and start-up stages.

“We received a stalled project, without funding to continue the work and without a decision on how to use its productive capacity. Today construction is practically finished, we have a timetable for its start-up and a framework to turn that investment into production for Argentina and the world,” Ramos Napoli said.

Completing the reactor will not by itself create commercial radioisotope production. The project also needs a plant to process materials irradiated in the RA-10 for use in healthcare and export markets. The Nuclear Affairs Secretariat said private capital would finance and build that facility and support its associated production and commercial activities.

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We received a stalled project, without funding to continue the work and without a decision on how to use its productive capacity. Today construction is practically finished, we have a timetable for its start-up and a framework to turn that investment into production for Argentina and the world.