The RA-10 is a 30 MW multipurpose reactor designed for research and production, not electricity generation. It will use neutrons from nuclear fission to produce medical radioisotopes, including molybdenum-99 for diagnostic imaging via technetium-99m, lutetium-177 for oncology treatments, and iridium-192 for medical and industrial applications. Official projections indicate the reactor could supply approximately 20 percent of the current global market for certain radioisotopes, positioning Argentina among major international producers. Additional capabilities include doped silicon production for high-power semiconductors and materials testing services for scientific and industrial applications.
The government determined that completing the reactor alone is insufficient to achieve commercial-scale radioisotope production. A processing plant is required to handle irradiated materials from the RA-10 and deliver finished products to healthcare systems and export markets. The nuclear affairs secretariat has defined a framework for private sector participation in financing, developing, and constructing this facility, as well as related production and commercial activities. The state will maintain control over nuclear policy definition, regulation, safety, and safeguards under Law 24.804 on Nuclear Activity, which permits both state and private participation in productive and commercial operations. The government cited Conuar, a nuclear fuel cycle component manufacturer with majority private capital and CNEA equity participation, as precedent for this model. Domestic production would meet Argentine healthcare demand with surplus directed to exports, generating hard currency in a specialized global market with high technological barriers and limited suppliers.
This article was curated and published as part of our South American energy market coverage.
