Ecobreves – ARGENTINA: Shutdown of Embalse Nuclear Plant Urged

By - - and IPS Correspondents Reprint | | Print |

BUENOS AIRES, Mar 21 2011 (IPS) - The Foundation for the Defence of the Environment in Argentina has challenged the decision of the government of the central province of Córdoba to continue operating the Embalse nuclear power plant without conducting an environmental impact assessment or public hearing. Embalse was supposed to be dismantled this year, but through a series of investments, the provincial government resolved to keep it running for another 25 years.

In light of the recent nuclear accident in Japan, the decision to continue operating the plant is “extremely serious,” environmentalist and Foundation representative Raúl Montenegro told Tierramérica.

The plant has experienced “numerous incidents and accidents,” he stressed, adding that the government should establish a public protection plan in the event of a disaster.

Argentina has two nuclear power plants – Atucha, in the province of Buenos Aires, and Embalse – which supply seven percent of the country’s electricity. A third plant, Atucha II, is currently under construction.