Argentinian president Cristina de Kirchner starts commissioning of Atucha II mechanical systems

On September 28, 2011, construction of the Atucha II heavy-water reactor plant (CNA II, 745 gross MWe) in Argentina reached another important milestone on its way to completion of the project. In the presence of Argentinian State President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, commissioning of the mechanical systems was initiated. The technology of the Atucha reactor facilities, which are fueled with natural uranium, moderated by heavy water (D₂O) and cooled by light water (H₂O) (Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor, PHWR), originally was developed by Siemens. These plants were designed alongside the pressurized water reactors using light water. The strict requirements applying to advanced designs in Germany as well as current findings in technical implementation were employed. Major construction and mechanical assembly work has been completed. The primary system has been installed completely. The first core was manufactured at the Argentinian fuel element factory of Conuar and placed into the plant's dry store, which also contains the control and shutdown rods. The heavy water (D₂O) needed for nuclear operation has been produced and is being stored on the plant premises. Extensive commissioning work is going on in the building for the switching systems including the main and the emergency control rooms. The turbine hall is largely complete, as are the facilities for cooling water supply. The commissioning phase of the plant has been started involving considerable manpower. Some procedures for the later part of the commissioning phase still need to be completed. As a consequence of its sound and qualified basic design and the incorporation of other, new findings, Atucha II in its optimized design will prove to be a safe and reliable plant in operation. The start of commercial operation of Atucha II has been announced for probably late 2012. (orig.)