Argentina budget cuts hitting nuclear energy ambitions, atomic body says
Argentina's nuclear energy ambitions are coming under pressure from a tough austerity package and cost-cutting drive by libertarian President Javier Milei, the head of the National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) told Reuters.
The squeeze on the budget of CNEA, which oversees research and development of nuclear energy in Argentina, has stalled construction work on the cutting-edge CAREM small modular reactor and other projects, Adriana Serquis said. The budget problem is serious not only for large projects but for the entire operation of the institution," Serquis said in an interview at the CNEA offices.
"Without a concrete plan it is very difficult to know how to prevent these works from suffering further damage and ending up being inefficient in their investment."
The Energy Ministry did not respond to a request for comment.
The CNEA said in a statement its budget had been held at 2023 levels of around 100 billion pesos ($114 million), despite annual inflation nearing 300%, meaning the amount was only enough to cover expenses until this month or next. Transfer of part of the expected budget had also been delayed, it added.
https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/argentina-budget-cuts-hitting-nuclear-energy-ambitions-atomic-body-says-2024-05-02/