12 Jul (NucNet): The Areva-Mitsubishi Atmea-1 reactor unit has been prequalified by national utility Nucleoeléctrica as a possible technology for construction of a new nuclear unit in Argentina.
Areva said Atmea-1, a mid-sized Generation III+ pressurised water reactor of 1,100 megawatts, can now be part of the next stage of the selection process, a “request for proposals”.
Areva said that in 2006, Argentina announced the reactivation of a strategic plan for the country’s nuclear power sector, including the construction of a fourth reactor.
Argentina has two units, Atucha-1 and Embalse, in commercial operation and a third, Atucha-2, under construction.
In October last year the Argentine government said construction of Atucha-2 was complete and testing scheduled to begin, with start-up planned for some time in 2012.
Atmea-1 is particularly intended for export to countries where the grid is not compatible with more powerful units such as Areva’s 1,600 MW European Pressurised Water Reactor.
Atmea-1 was designed and developed by Atmea, a 50/50 joint venture created in 2007 by Areva and Mitsubishi.
In February 2012, France’s nuclear safety authority said it had carried out a review and approved the safety options of Atmea-1. The objective of the review, which began in June 2010, was to evaluate the reactor’s safety options against French safety regulations.
In May 2012, Jordan completed its evaluation of possible technology options for its first nuclear reactor unit and said it would “continue discussions” with Atmea, and Atomstroyexport of Russia.
