CAREM (Spanish:Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares) is asmall modular reactor for electrical power generation under construction since 2014, near the city ofZárate, in the northern part of Buenos Aires province beside theAtucha I Nuclear Power Plant.
The reactor was integrally designed by CNEA (National Atomic Energy Commission), being the first power reactor designed by the country. It is basically a simplifiedpressurized water reactor (PWR) designed to have an electrical output of 25MW for the first prototype, 100MW in the following one. It is an integral reactor – the coolant system is inside the reactor vessel – so that the entire plant operates at the same pressure. This design minimizes the risk ofloss-of-coolant accidents (LOCA). Its fuel isuranium oxide with a235
U enrichment of 3.4% that needs to be replaced annually.[1]: 20–22 The primary coolant system usesnatural circulation, so there are no pumps required, which providesinherent safety againstcore meltdown, even in accident situations.
In 1984 it was presented publicly for the first time during anIAEA conference in Peru.[2] For political reasons the project was halted but was relaunched by the2006 Argentine nuclear reactivation plan.
The 25MWe prototype version of CAREM currently being built will be followed by a second one of 100–200 MWe to be installed inFormosa Province.[3][4]
As of 2013, the first prototype was planned to receive its first fuel load in 2017.[5] First concrete was poured in February 2014.[6]
As of 2016, the completion of the project was scheduled for the end of 2018.[7] Cost has been estimated to US$446[8]-700 million.[9] As of 2018, the start date was deferred to 2020.[10]
In November 2019, construction was halted due to late payments to the contractor, design changes and late delivery of technical documentation.[6] A new contract for finishing the concrete structures of the reactor was awarded in November 2021.[6]
The total cost was estimated at ARS 3.5 billion ($446 million).
33°58′04″S59°12′47″W / 33.9677°S 59.2130°W /-33.9677; -59.2130
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