Argentine Case Study on Modelling of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle

In Argentina, total energy demand was 59 918 ktoe ktep by 2014. Nearly 18.2% of the total energy demand is met by electricity generation, of which 64.8% is generated through thermal technologies burning fossil fuels, showing the high dependence of Argentina on these fuels as energy sources. The rest of the electricity generation is distributed among the following technologies: nuclear power (4.3%), hydropower (30.4%) and other variable renewables, including wind and solar power (0.5%). Since 2004, a State policy has been established in Argentina to diversify the electricity generation mix and promote a higher share of nuclear power, hydropower and other variable renewables. A number of laws have been passed in order to decrease the use of fossil fuels and to promote the rational and efficient use of energy. This also includes reactivation of various nuclear projects aimed at increasing the portfolio of nuclear power in the national energy mix. The MESSAGE model was very useful for the case study since it was possible to achieve comprehensive modelling of the Argentine open nuclear fuel cycle. All the details of nuclear material flows were represented in the MESSAGE model. The materials and infrastructure facilities, conversion, enrichment and fuel fabrication services, etc., needed for future nuclear power development, were quantified and assessed. MESSAGE helped to optimize the electricity generation system and identify potential contribution of the nuclear power including the front end and the back end of the open (once-through) nuclear fuel cycle.