New Nuclear Map of Latin America: Innovation, Integration, and Ambition
Latin America's approach to nuclear energy reflects a complex and steadily progressing narrative marked by a firm commitment to peaceful applications and a gradually expanding, albeit still modest, contribution to the region’s overall energy mix. Although nuclear power accounted for less than 1% of the region's total installed power generation capacity, interest in nuclear technology is gaining momentum. This growing focus is primarily motivated by the need to strengthen energy security, meet decarbonization targets, and mitigate the limitations of existing energy sources.
The Region's Established Nuclear Players: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico
While the nuclear energy landscape in Latin America is diverse, three nations stand out as the primary operators of nuclear power plants: Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. Their programs represent the most developed nuclear infrastructure in the region. This article will focus on the remaining nations of the region that aspire to nuclear energy.
The Next Wave: Emerging and Research-Focused Nuclear Programs
Beyond Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico, several other Latin American nations are actively exploring or maintaining nuclear capabilities, primarily focused on research, medical applications, and the potential for future power generation, often with a keen eye on SMR technology.
Cuba's initial foray into civil nuclear energy began in 1956 with a cooperation agreement with the United States. A more ambitious project emerged in 1976 with the Soviet Union to construct two 440-megawatt VVER-440 V318 reactors at Juragua. Construction began in 1983 and 1985, but the project was halted in 1992 following the collapse of the Soviet Union, with Reactor-1 80-97% complete and Reactor-2 only 20-30%. Cuba is an active member of the Regional Network of Research Reactors and Related Institutions in Latin America and the Caribbean (RIALC) and maintains a close relationship with the IAEA, participating in initiatives like Rays of Hope and Atomos4Food.
Chile, historically, did not pursue nuclear power. However, an energy crisis between 2006 and 2008 prompted a re-evaluation, with a report from ‘Ministerio de Energia,’ Chile’s analog ot the US Department of Energy, in 2010, deeming a nuclear power program "convenient, competitive, and sustainable," and likely "necessary" for Chile's energy demands . The Comisión Chilena de Energía Nuclear (CChEN) is the primary institution responsible for regulating and controlling nuclear and radioactive sources. CCHEN operates two research reactors: RECH-1 (a 5 MWt pool reactor at La Reina in Santiago) and RECH-2 (2 MWt at Lo Aguirre, currently in shutdown). It also runs a fuel-element fabrication plant and a uranium conversion laboratory. These facilities primarily produce medical and industrial radioisotopes – for example, RECH-1 annually generates dozens of isotopes used for diagnostics and treatment. Chile has been an IAEA Member since 1960
Peru operates two research reactors under the Peruvian Institute for Nuclear Energy (IPEN): RP0 (a zero-power critical assembly, in extended shutdown) and RP10 (a 10 MW thermal power reactor, operational). These reactors are primarily utilized for research, radioisotope production (critical for medical and industrial sectors), and education/training. While Peru does not currently have operational nuclear power plants or formal government plans for a nuclear power program, the National Energy Policy for Peru 2010–2040 did include nuclear power as a future component. Notably, a private organization has expressed commercial interest in investing in and operating a nuclear power reactor. Peru was a founding member of the IAEA in 1957 and is a strong participant in its technical cooperation programs, focusing on food security, health, environment, and sustainable mining.
Colombia currently does not operate a nuclear power reactor, but it does operate one research reactor, IAN-R1 installed in 1965. It was donated to Colombia by the U.S. government under the “Atoms for Peace” program. Nuclear energy is being considered as a potential energy source in Colombia, as reflected in the National Energy Plan (PEN) 2022-2052. Colombia has been an IAEA Member since 1960.
El Salvador is rapidly emerging as a newcomer in nuclear energy. In 2024, the country passed a comprehensive Nuclear Energy Law and established the Organization for the Implementation of the Nuclear Energy Program (OIPEN), tasked with overseeing reactor deployment and training a domestic workforce. The government aims to launch its first research reactor by 2030 and envisions nuclear energy contributing up to 26% of its energy mix by 2050. In February 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with United States Concerning Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation with the aim of advancing peaceful nuclear cooperation.
Other Countries with Incipient or Research-Focused Nuclear Activities
Beyond the countries with operational power plants or significant power program aspirations, several other Latin American nations maintain varying levels of nuclear development, primarily focused on research, medical applications, or initial exploratory phases.
Bolivia has an incipient nuclear development. The Agency for Nuclear Energy of Bolivia (ABEN) is currently constructing Bolivia's first nuclear research reactor (RB-01) in El Alto, set to be the highest nuclear reactor in the world at over 4000 meters altitude. This 200 kWt SM-3 high-precision research reactor, developed by Russia's Rosatom, is expected to start up in 2025. It will produce radioisotopes for medicine, industry, and science, and serve as a training base for nuclear students. Bolivia's nuclear program aims to benefit health, industry, agriculture, environment, water resources, mining, science, and technology.
Ecuador has announced plans to continue research for eventual nuclear implementation. It is also identified as a country for which nuclear energy presents a viable solution for enhancing energy security and sustainability. Ecuador maintains isolated nuclear activities, mainly in medical applications.
Paraguay maintains isolated nuclear activities, mainly in medical applications. It has signed and ratified the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), becoming one of the original 50 states parties when it entered into force in 2021.
Outlook: The Nuclear Future of Latin America
Latin America's nuclear landscape is dynamic and multifaceted, extending far beyond the well-established programs of Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. While these countries lead in operating nuclear power plants, a growing number of Latin American nations are deeply engaged in nuclear science and technology, particularly through research reactors and their applications in medicine, agriculture, and industry.
A common thread running through the region is a shared dedication to the peaceful use of nuclear energy. This is reflected in broad compliance with international non-proliferation agreements, fostering trust and enabling international cooperation and technology transfer. SMRs are emerging as a game-changing innovation for the region. Countries like Chile and Colombia are carefully evaluating SMRs as tools to secure energy supply, reduce emissions, and bolster resilience against climate-induced disruptions. Even countries with fledgling programs, such as Bolivia, Ecuador, and Jamaica, are exploring SMRs as practical solutions for a sustainable and reliable energy future.
Despite persistent challenges—such as financing constraints, regulatory development, and human resource limitations—the strategic imperatives for nuclear energy in Latin America are compelling. Stable baseload generation, reduced fossil fuel dependence, and climate change mitigation are central to national agendas. As such, the region appears poised to integrate nuclear technology more fully into its evolving energy matrix, potentially playing a pivotal role in the continent’s sustainable development trajectory.
