Buenos Aires Senate Approves Bill to Intervene in Nucleoeléctrica Privatization

The Buenos Aires Senate approved a bill promoted by Sergio Berni to ensure the Government of Buenos Aires Province participates in the privatization process of Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. (NASA). The initiative, which was voted on amid clashes between Fuerza Patria and La Libertad Avanza, must now be analyzed by the Chamber of Deputies.

Berni argued that the Province should not be excluded from a decision involving strategic assets located in Buenos Aires territory and an activity linked to energy, scientific, and technological development. He also noted that the company produces radioisotopes used in medicine and stated that during 2025 it obtained a surplus exceeding US$ 700 million.

From La Libertad Avanza, senator Matías de Urraza stated that the national Government's objective would be to transfer a stake in the company to the private sector while retaining majority control. According to his position, the measure would enable increased growth in energy exports.

Nucleoeléctrica's Role in the Electric System

Nucleoeléctrica operates the country's three nuclear plants: Atucha I, Atucha II, and Embalse. Combined, the facilities have 1,763 MW of installed capacity and contribute approximately 7% of national electricity generation.

NASA's shareholding structure comprises the Ministry of Economy with 79%; the National Atomic Energy Commission with 20%; and Energía Argentina with the remaining 1%. During 2024, the company recorded record generation of more than 10.4 million net MWh and a capacity factor of 73.3%.

Preliminary sector valuations place the company between US$ 560 million and US$ 1,000 million. In enabling the process, the national Government argued that it seeks to align nuclear generation conditions with those of other sources and considered it appropriate to transfer the activity to the private sector. It also reported that in 2023 NASA received $700 million in non-reimbursable capital transfers.

With information from Energía Online.