Argentina Advances Testing for Atucha II Spent Fuel Dry Storage Project

Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. is advancing key equipment testing for the spent fuel dry storage facility (ASECG II) at the Atucha II nuclear power plant. This project is a critical supporting infrastructure to ensure the long-term operation of the Atucha II plant.

The ongoing tests are part of the verification phase prior to system commissioning, primarily aimed at inspecting and adjusting the operational procedures involved in future operations. Among the key equipment under testing is the gantry crane, which handles the transfer of storage containers within the plant site. The stable performance of this equipment is directly related to the safety and controllability of container movements during spent fuel storage operations.

According to the project plan, once completed, ASECG II will be capable of storing up to approximately 50,000 spent fuel assemblies within the Atucha II plant site, under long-term controlled management in compliance with applicable safety standards of the nuclear industry.

During nuclear power plant operation, spent fuel assemblies are typically first stored in spent fuel pools, where the underwater environment provides cooling and shielding. As pool storage capacity gradually approaches its limit, the dry storage facility will provide the necessary conditions for the subsequent safe and efficient management of spent fuel.

Nucleoeléctrica estimates that the spent fuel pool at the Atucha II plant will reach maximum capacity around December 2027. To ensure continued unit operation, the company is accelerating the construction, equipment testing, and related preparatory work for the ASECG II project.

The project also involves the participation of Argentina's domestic industrial chain. The engineering design is carried out in Argentina, and the manufacturing of related equipment and components is undertaken by Argentine suppliers. As engineering and testing continue to progress, the long-term spent fuel management capability of the Atucha II plant will be further enhanced.