Nuclear energy in the Americas

North America

As of 2008, Nuclear power in the United States is provided by 104 (69 pressurized water reactors and 35 boiling water reactors) commercial nuclear power plants licensed to operate, producing a total of 806.2 TWh of electricity, which was 19.6% of the nation's total electric energy consumption in 2008.^[1] The United States is the world's largest supplier of commercial nuclear power.

Latin America

Nuclear energy in Latin America has historically not been very significant as a proportion of total electricity production in Latin America; three countries (Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico) currently operate nuclear power stations, together accounting for around 1% of the world's nuclear power capacity. In addition, Venezuela has plans to build a nuclear power station, with support from Russia.^[2]

Argentina has around 1000MW capacity, representing around 6% of its electricity production; Brazil has around 2000MW, representing around 3%; Mexico has around 1300MW, representing around 4%.

Chile is pursuing technical studies. Uruguay has a law that prohibits nuclear energy development. However, Uruguay and Russia consider limited cooperation in nuclear energy by using 70 MWe Russian floating nuclear power station which could power infrastructure on-shore via a cable.^[3]

References

1. ^ Nuclear Energy Review, US Energy Information Administration, June 26, 2009.
2. ^ The Guardian, 15 October 2010, Russia and Venezuela strike nuclear power station deal
3. ^ "Russian push for new business continues". World Nuclear News. 2008-01-03. http://www.world-nuclear-news.org/newsarticle.aspx?id=14620. Retrieved 2008-01-06.