Argentina is emerging as a potentially significant player in global energy transformation at a time when the world is experiencing a nuclear renaissance. A recent report by the global network We Are Innovation reveals a decisive panorama: nuclear energy is positioned as the cornerstone of the energy transition and technological development, while the convergence between the need for clean energy and the exponential growth of energy demand for artificial intelligence (AI) is catalyzing a global “nuclear summer,” as Argentine presidential adviser Demian Reidel aptly describes it. This situation coincides with President Javier Milei’s plans to revitalize the Argentine nuclear sector.
Argentina is not starting from scratch in this race. The country has a solid foundation for its aspirations, with three operational nuclear power plants and a seven-decade tradition in the sector. As Alberto Lamagna, President of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina, points out, “the life extension of Atucha I is a clear example of this government’s decision to strengthen nuclear energy in Argentina.” The CAREM project, one of the world’s most advanced small modular reactor (SMR) developments, could position Argentina at the forefront of this emerging technology, just as the Somos Innovación report points to SMRs as the protagonists of the nuclear future.
Milei’s vision of turning Argentina into a global AI hub, backed by nuclear energy, is echoed in the global trends identified in the Somos Innovación report. The growing energy demand for AI data centers, which the report says is driving nuclear investments by tech giants such as Google and Microsoft, coincides with Argentina’s comparative advantages: energy abundance, a favorable climate, and skilled human talent.
The timing could not be more propitious. While Europe and the United States face increasingly strict regulatory frameworks, Argentina can offer a more flexible environment for nuclear and technological development without compromising safety. The presence of Rafael Grossi, the director of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in the recent announcements, highlights the seriousness of these aspirations.
The convergence between nuclear development and AI described in the report finds fertile ground in Argentina. The country has an established nuclear industrial base and a vibrant technological ecosystem that has produced several regional unicorns. The synergies are multiple and promising: on the one hand, Argentina’s experience in the development of nuclear technology can be applied to the optimization of the cooling systems demanded by AI data centers; on the other hand, AI’s processing capacity can accelerate research in nuclear physics and the design of new reactors. Furthermore, the combination of atomic expertise and software development positions the country to lead in creating advanced control systems for SMRs, a field where AI is revolutionizing safety protocols and operational efficiency. This technological convergence could transform Argentina into an innovation hub where the new frontiers of advanced computing enhance the nuclear tradition.
The current moment represents a historic opportunity for Argentina, although it requires addressing significant challenges with a strategic vision. As the We Are Innovation report points out, success in the nuclear sector demands sustained investment in human capital and technological development, which are fundamental elements for capitalizing on this unique moment. If it succeeds, the country can consolidate its leadership in the nuclear sector and trigger a profound transformation of its productive and technological matrix.
* Federico N. Fernández is a visionary leader dedicated to driving innovation and change. As the CEO of We Are Innovation, a global network of 45+ think tanks and NGOs, Federico champions innovative solutions worldwide. His expertise and passion for innovation have earned him recognition from prestigious publications such as The Economist, El País, Folha de São Paulo, and Newsweek. Federico has also delivered inspiring speeches and lectures across three continents, authored numerous scholarly articles, and co-edited several books on economics.
Source: We Are Innovation
