National Atomic Energy Commission

The National Atomic Energy Commission (CNEA) is the government agency of the Argentine State in charge of research and development of nuclear energy.

The organization was created in May 1950 with the mission of developing and controlling the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes in the country.

The CNEA facilities are located at the Bariloche Atomic Center (in San Carlos de Bariloche), the Constituciónntes Atomic Center (in the province of Buenos Aires), and the Ezeiza Atomic Center (in Ezeiza, Buenos Aires province).

History

The National Atomic Energy Commission was created on May 31, 1950, during the Government of Juan Domingo Perón, by decree No. 10 936/50, with the objective of studying and developing applications linked to peaceful use of nuclear energy.

From its beginnings, the CNEA placed emphasis on professional training in associated sciences and technologies, the creation of laboratories and all activities related to radiochemistry, nuclear metallurgy and uranium mining.

The CNEA carried out the construction and operation of research reactors and their fuels, the production of radioisotopes and the use of ionizing radiation for medical diagnosis and treatment. Furthermore, with only two nuclear power plants, the country produced 8% of electrical energy, and mastered the fuel cycle.

Argentina is the leader in the region in the production of radioisotopes. The CNEA produces molybdenum-99, and exports radioisotopes such as iodine-131 and cobalt 60, necessary for the treatment of certain types of cancer.

The activities of the CNEA are carried out within a legal framework defined by Decree-Law No. 22,498/56, ratified by Law No. 14,467, and the National Law of Nuclear Activity, promulgated in April 1997, with its Regulatory Decree No. 1,390/98. This legislation gives it full capacity to act publicly and privately in the scientific, technical, industrial, commercial, administrative and financial spheres.

In addition, the CNEA is responsible for the application of the Radioactive Waste Management Regime Law (Law No. 25 018), and the Joint (International) Convention on Safety in the Management of Spent Fuels and Safety in the Management of Radioactive Waste, endorsed by Law No. 25,279, promulgated in July 2000.

Missions and functions

Law No. 24 804 establishes the mission and powers of the National Atomic Energy Commission. It establishes that in nuclear matters “the National State will set the policy and exercise the functions of research and development, regulation and oversight, through the National Atomic Energy Commission and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority.”

Article 1: [...] “In the implementation of nuclear policy, the obligations assumed by the Argentine Republic under the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco); the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons; the Agreement between the Argentine Republic, the Federal Republic of Brazil, the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials, as well as the International Atomic Energy Agency

The main functions of CNEA are:

• To advise the Executive on nuclear policy;
• Promote human resource development for the development of nuclear science and technology;
• To promote the transfer of technologies;
• Manage radioactive waste;
• Establish the withdrawal form of nucleoelectric power plants and relevant radioactive facilities;
• Provide services to nuclear power plants or other nuclear installation;
• To exercise state ownership of special radioactive materials;
• Develop and operate experimental nuclear reactors;
• Develop radioisotope applications and radiation in biology, medicine and industry;
• To carry out the exploration of nuclear-use minerals, without the implication of excluding the private sector in such activity;
• Implement basic and applied research programmes in the nuclear technology sciences;
• Establish cooperation programmes with third countries and foreign institutions on nuclear technology issues;

List of Presidents

Scientific and technological activities

The CNEA carries out activities related to the study, development and applications of nuclear energy, for peaceful purposes. The topics cover uranium prospecting and extraction, technological support for nuclear power plants, operation of research reactors and the development of applications with proprietary technology.

Power plants and reactors

Through the controlled fission of uranium, clean and safe energy is produced. This fission is also a source of research developments for health, agriculture and industry. Nuclear reactors are facilities where energy is released in the form of heat and radiation. In the case of power plants, this heat caused by fission is used to produce electricity. On the other hand, in research reactors, what is used is radiation to produce isotopes that are later used for nuclear medicine, agriculture and industry; and using the neutrons from fission, the properties of the materials are investigated.

Research reactors

In these reactors, radioisotopes are produced that are later used in medicine, agriculture and industry, but different types of tests are also carried out.

Currently the CNEA manages the following radioisotope research and production reactors:

• RA-0 It is located at the National University of Córdoba, and its function is to train new technicians and professionals in the area of nuclear energy.

• RA-1 It is located in the Constituent Atomic Center, and was built entirely in the country, which made it the first operating reactor of all Latin America.

• RA-3 It is at the Ezeiza Atomic Center, and there is about 4% of the Molibdeno-99 consumed in the world. This is one of the most widely used radioisotopes in nuclear medicine.

• RA-4 Operable editor located at the National University of Rosario, whose power is 1W and its function is to provide services to third parties. It is also used for educational and research purposes.

• RA-6 Known as the “school therapist” for students at the Balseiro Institute, the RA-6 is located at the Bariloche Atomic Center, and plays a strategic role in driving the country as a nuclear exporter.

• RA-8 Its objective was to validate the design of the fuel elements and the design of the real-scale core of the CAREM reactor. It is located at the Pilcaniyeu Technological Center.

• RA-10 In construction. The RA-10 will expand the production capacity of radioisotopes by enhancing their export. It will also have various facilities to carry out material research using defaction methods and spectrometry with neutron beams.

Nuclear power plants

• The CNEA made efforts to purchase and monitor the construction of Atucha I and Embalse nuclear power plants. CNEA was also responsible for its operation since they were launched until 1994 in which through Decree No. 1540 the ownership of the plants and the responsibility for their operation were transferred to the state company Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. This decree also assigned CNEA the task of providing technological support and special services in the field to NASA for the Argentine nucleoelectric plants.

• For the CNEA Embalse Nuclear Central participates in the Life Extension program, through the development of pressure pipe manufacturing technology, certified by Candu Energy (Canada) and ASME. The CNEA High Pressure Test Laboratory also performed temperature and pressure tests on flow restrictors, and on some components of the primary circuit.

• CAREM Project: The CAREM 25 project aims to put into operation the first low- and medium-powered nuclear power plant designed and built in Argentina, and profiles the country as one of the world leaders in this segment of reactors. Currently, Techint builds the building together with Conuar (metal containment liner) and INVAP provides and installs all reactor systems.

Other applications of nuclear energy

CNEA carries out activities related to nuclear medicine, industrial uses and research with peaceful applications, whose objective is to improve people's quality of life. They are:

Radioisotope production

The CNEA provides radioisotopes for use in the area of health, with two fundamental uses:

Diagnosis: With radioisotopes such as Carbon, Iodo and Molybdenum (called "trazors"), the functioning of certain organs can be known. Radioisotopes are administered to the patient by mouth or endovenous, and generate a contrast that allows the obtaining of a series of images by a gamma camera or postitron emission tomograph (PET). These techniques are related to the detection of cancer in thyroid, liver, gallbladder, intestines, heart and lung, and heart disease treatments and surgeries.

Treatment: ionizing radiations are used to kill cancerous lesions, so the tumor is exposed to doses from external radiation sources (X-ray units, cobalt-60 radiation therapy) or internal (brachytherapy, metabolic radiation therapy). For the manufacture of radioisotopes for medical use, the CNEA counts at the Ezeiza Atomic Center with a Cyclothron and the RA-3 Reactor. In addition, two related facilities: the Radioisotope Production Plant and the Fission Products Production Plant.

Nuclear Medicine

The CNEA applies and investigates everything concerning nuclear medicine through the Fundación Escuela de Medicina Nuclear de Mendoza, the Centro de Diagnóstico Nuclear de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires, the Centro de Medicina Nuclear del Hospital de Clínicas “José de San Martín” and the Oncológico de Medicina Nuclear del Instituto de Oncología “Ángel Roffo”.

This discipline is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases using small amounts of radiopharmaceuticals, substances that are generated with nuclear technology that are implanted in specific organs, bones or tissues, allowing for early detection of alterations or diseases. This type of treatment is more effective than the traditional ones, with minimal amount of radiation to which the patient is exposed, even less than that received by routine radiological explorations. Nor is it a type of invasive medicine, since diagnostic techniques that require surgery are not used, nor are appliances introduced in the body, because nuclear medicine can be given in the form of endovenous injection, or by mouth, inhalation or intracavity.

Irradiation services

The CNEA provides sterilization of tissues for grafts, implants and medical use products, using gamma radiation. This method also serves to decontaminate food and prolong its useful life, control pests, restore works of art, bibliographic material and to modify material properties.

Industrial Semi irradiation plant (PISI): It is located in the Ezeiza atomic center. Provides industrial and pre-industrial services. There are sterilized tissues for grafts or implants, medical, pharmaceutical, dental and veterinary products, as well as for eliminating microorganisms in foods, or to reduce the microbial load of containers, food for human and animal consumption.

Recovery of Cultural Property: The Laboratory of Manejo de Artópodos Perjudicial, located at the Ezeiza Atom Center, aims to study the consequences of low doses of ionizing radiation from Cobalto-60 to preserve substrates such as wood, leather, cloth, paper and organic products of all kinds that are subject to pest attack. Radio-desinfection is an effective alternative to the fight against harmful populations. The Harmful Artropod Management Laboratory also provides advisory services, irradiation, monitoring, training, dissemination, human resources training, health campaigns, project evaluation and programme monitoring.

Food eradication: It is a method that substantially improves the decontamination and prolongation of useful life of food through exposures to gamma radiation, which inhibits the outbreak of tubers and prevents the spread of diseases produced by microorganisms. This method prevents the introduction of chemicals that change food characteristics, without leaving residue. Argentina radiates spices that are introduced as additives for other products such as the horns, only for the local market.

Conservation and Restoration of Papers: The CNEA has a Preventive Conservation and Documentation Restoration laboratory dedicated to the care and recovery of bibliographic documents. This laboratory also provides advice to individuals and institutions. The methods used for pest control that may affect paper are: sterilization with ethylene oxide, removal of larvae and insects in adult state, by nitrogen atmosphere, disinfection with piretrines and radio treatment for fungi and insects control in all their arthropod states.

Irradiation of tissues: CNEA’s Microbiology and Biotechnology laboratory provides technological assistance and participates in different research and development lines. To remove microorganisms, the laboratory determines the dose of radiation to be applied. This practice is used to decontaminate foods, drugs, medicinal herbs and cosmetics; and to sterilize products used for health care, human tissues for implants, dental implants and drugs.

The CNEA Microbiology and Biotechnology Laboratory carries out studies on the effect of ionizing radiation on different products. These studies include: evaluations of biocompatibility (cytotoxicity/genotoxicity); evaluations of the attributes of quality and functionality of irradiated products; detection of some modifications for the identification of products that were irradiated; and inactivation of peste insects in hortofrutcultural products.

Agribusiness: CNEA has research teams and development of applications of nuclear technology in the agricultural field. Work is currently being done in the areas of animal apculture, health and nutrition and the environment.

Nuclear analytical techniques: This group uses Neutronic Activation Analysis (AAN) for the elemental chemical characterization of materials. The same is accredited under ISO/IEC 17025, and is recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for the quality standards achieved in the application of the above-mentioned technique.

Some of the areas covered are:

-Environmental studies to determine the degree of air pollution, soil and water.

- Archaeological research (for the elemental chemical characterization of materials such as ceramics, obsidians and other critiques).

-Determination of trace and minority elements in biological and food matrices (plasma, various biological tissues, vegetables, foods produced, among others), elements of nutritional interest, elements potentially associated with human or animal diseases.

- Geological museums

Bioterior: CNEA uses various research methods based on mathematical models, computer simulation and/or in vitro biological systems with animals. The CNEA has facilities dedicated to the breeding, maintenance and use of laboratory animals where it is sought to avoid discomfort, physical suffering or pain that they may experience. Laboratory animals are considered scientific reagents, and laboratory (microbiological and parasitic) controls are regularly carried out, and environmental factors are kept within very narrow limits to care for genetic quality.

Research and development

The CNEA carries out basic and applied research in nuclear energy and related aspects, develops technologies that it transfers to the productive sector.

Materials and Processes: CNEA’s Department of Non-Destructive and Structural Tests (ENDE) conducts diagnostic, analysis and characterization of materials, components, systems and structures of high technological commitment facilities to ensure safe and reliable operation. In addition, it trains and trains personnel in the disciplines of its competence, through academic programmes in line with international standards and research applied in non-destructive methods.

Ionizing radiation: CNEA investigates ionizing radiation and its applications through radiobiology and radiopharmacy. The arrival of the German physicist Walter Seelmann-Eggebert, who in 1952 settled in Buenos Aires, began the preparation of the first methods of separation and purification of uranium, and a radiochemical method was developed for the determination of uranium in minerals and Uranium-235 natural. The addition of the Crockroft-Walton cascade accelerator of 1.2 MV was used to produce neutrons. This began the search for new radioisotopes and the determination of nuclear properties of known isotopes. The acquisition of a syncrocyclotron in 1954 reinforced the work of the production sectors and applications of radioisotope and radiation, radiopharmacy, reprocessing of nuclear fuels and calibration of radioactive sources, according to the technological requirements that were being presented.

Physical and Chemistry: in the CNEA research is carried out in basic science and applied in physics and chemistry, which develops in its atomic centers, highlighting the atomic collisions, surface physics, photonics and optoelectronics, forensic physics, low temperatures, complex systems, basic chemistry and applied to technological development, among other areas.

Tandar: In the Tandar Laboratory, basic and applied research, technological development and services are carried out. The Tandar -Argentine Tandem- is an electrostatic 20 MV heavy ion accelerator, which obtained its first particle beam in 1984, making it the second largest in the world. This accelerator is used in basic research in nuclear physics, for the study of nuclear reactions induced by weakly linked stable nuclei.

Nuclear Spectroscope: This group carries out activities related to: the nature and objectives that are pursued, using similar nuclear spectroscopic techniques and heavy ion beams produced by the TANDAR accelerator. Biomedical and environmental problems have been addressed. Work is done on the following lines: trace analysis, microhaz of heavy ions, feasibility studies related to radiation therapy; and basic research into nuclear structure.

Atomic collisions: The Atomic Colisions Division studies dynamic processes of ions interaction with the material and electronic properties of such materials, using ion spectroscopy, electrons and photons, in theoretical and experimental form.

Surface physics: This working group studies, theoretically and experimentally, the physical-chemical properties of surfaces of pure materials, and modified by controlled adsorption of other species such as atoms or molecules, from very low coverage to the formation of thin films. The results of these studies give information on topography, crystalline, energy and kinetic structure of adsorption, thermal stability of the species deposited on the surface, and competition between the molecule-molecule interactions and molecule-sustrate.

Forensics: Located in the Bariloche Atomic Center, the CNEA has the only Forensic Physics Team in the public sphere of Argentina. In recent years, it had achieved a number of significant achievements, strengthening its growing collaboration in judicial cases. This group of professionals provides services to the Judiciary, with the most modern methods of research in applied sciences, which is another tool for the resolution of judicial cases.

Complex systems: The Statistical and Interdisciplinary Physics Group conducts theoretical and experimental research of complex systems out of balance, focusing on physical systems, but taking advantage of the universality of phenomena out of balance, in addition to problems related to areas of science, such as chemistry, biology and socio-economic systems, such as, for example, analysis of physicochemical processes, population dynamics and cognitive mechanisms.

Basic Orient Chemistry: The Chemical Activities Unit carries out activities aimed at generating new knowledge on the Development and Benefits of Specialized Services.

Chemical and Specialized Technology Services: The Chemical Activities Unit provides advice and services to companies such as CONUAR, N.A.S.A and DIOXITEK, and to international agencies such as the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting and Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC), and the National Ent.

Nanosciences and Nanotechnology: In the Constituent Atomic Center, the CNEA has the Clean Room Laboratory for Micro and Nano Manufacture, and the Department of Micro and Nano Technologies (DMN), develops applications of nanostructured films and materials, based on their electrical, magnetic, mechanical and optical properties, specifically in nuclear applications. nanotechnology defines those sciences and techniques that apply to the scale of nanometers, that is, the thousand millionth part of a metre. Once the matter is manipulated, at small scales, new phenomena and properties are observed. This enables the creation of new materials, appliances and systems with unique properties. The department has three divisions: Micro Electromechanical Devices (MEMS), Electronic Olfactometry and Biological Applications.

Robotics: The CNEA promotes developments in robotics, in effect since 2009 it incorporated this technology into the Carem Project. Robotics encompasses the design and construction of machines capable of performing tasks that require the use of intelligence or certain physical skills, and one of its main objectives is to preserve people from exposure to situations that are harmful to their health. In the nuclear area, robotics is used to develop robots that can take samples of gases and liquids, measure temperatures, radiation levels, transport video cameras for remote observation, and perform inspection or maintenance tasks within an electric power plant.

Solar Energy: In 1998, the CNEA together with the CONAE (National Commission for Space Activities) initiated joint activities to develop cells and solar panels for space use. The Department of Solar Energy works and investigates the extents of the transformation of radiation from the sun. As a first experience, CNEA and CONAE mounted solar cells on board the SAC-A satellite designed and built by INVAP, and between 2008 and 2009 the panels for the SAC-D Aquarius space mission were integrated. Currently, it works on panels for the Argentine satellite SAOCOM-1A de CONAE. Another line of work is the Project of Interconnection to the Distributed Urban Solar Energy Network, together with the National University of San Martín and private companies: Aldar S.A, Edenor S.A., Eurotec S.R.L, Q-Max S.R.L and Tyco S.A. The Constituent Atomic Center operates the clean area of the Solar Energy Department, which meets the quality requirements designed by the United States Space Agency (NASA).

Accelerator technology: At the Constituent Atomic Center, the Upgrade Technology and Accelerator Applications is dedicated to the technological development of ion accelerators, associated devices, and multiple applications. The objectives of this suggestion are: to promote the local development of research, development and specialized services linked to the applications of accelerators to biomedical, nuclear, mediantal, micro and nanotechnology problems, the development of new materials, among other areas of interest of the CNEA.

Safety and Environment

CNEA carries out its activities with nuclear materials, complying with applicable national regulations and international practices to care for the environment and to mitigate the impact of their use on people and the environment. CNEA has different areas that are dedicated to the specific care of the environment, which include:

Quality: Quality Management conducts audits and evaluations in the different units, and also training and training programs for human resource training in quality. In addition, this Management is responsible for the dissemination of quality values and policies, and provides technical advice on areas for nuclear and non-nuclear industries. Its normative framework includes: Act No. 24,804, Act No. 25.018 and Decree No. 1.390/98.

Environment: CNEA applies an environmental policy in all its projects, with the aim of preserving the environment. To do this, it performs tasks of monitoring, control and prevention of environmental pollution. At the international level, CNEA participates in environmental projects such as the Ibero-American Program of Science and Technology for Development (CYTED), the Ibero-American Project and Water for All (OAS), and the programme of National Inventories of Gases Invernadero of the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), established by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Program.

Nuclear and Radiological Safety: A central axis of the application of nuclear technology is to ensure the protection of workers and the general population of the effects of ionizing radiation, through the safe design and operation of nuclear and radioactive facilities, as well as of any practice involving the use of such radiation. To this end, CNEA projects implement measures to prevent, protect and mitigate incidents.

National Radioactive Waste Management Programme (PNGRR): CNEA is responsible for the management of radioactive waste throughout the national territory. In 2003 and pursuant to Law 25.018, the CNEA created the National Programme for the Management of Radioactive Wastes (PNGRR) for the management of wastes generated by nuclear activity in Argentina, with the aim of confining and isolating them for a period of time and in conditions such that any release of the radionuclides contained in them is not a radiological risk.

Program for Environmental Restitution of Uranium Mining (PRAMU): In places where uranium mining has been involved, CNEA works on environmental remediation, managing environmental liabilities of uranium mining. The mines and inactive uranium plants that exist in Argentina will be restored to have a minimal impact, be safe and sustainable to the environment, with the aim of harmonizing the spaces to their natural landscape. The PRAMU works in the environmental remediation of the installation in Malargüe, Mendoza (where 752 tons of uranium were produced in the form of pasta –yellow cake-), the capital city of Córdoba and the town of Los Gigantes of that province, Tonco in Salta, Pichiñan in Chubut, La Estela in San Luis, Los Colorados in La Rioja and Huemul in Mendoza.

Projects

CNEA is in charge of the following projects:

• RA-10: multipurpose construction phase reactor (2017). Its functions are: (a) to produce radioisotopes for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases; (b) to study the effects of radiation on materials and fuels for nucleoelectric power plants; and (c) to provide neutron beams to conduct material research using neutron diffraction techniques. CNEA has hired the INVAP company to perform the design of the RA-10, and the provision, installation and implementation of the systems and components that make up the RA-10.

• Participation in Extension of Embalse Life: The project is executed by the company Nucleoeléctrica Argentina S.A. designated by Law No26566 of 2009, to carry out the prolongation of the useful life of the Nuclear Central Embalse, for 25 years. For this project CNEA developed and implemented technology for the manufacture of pressure tubes.

• Enrichment of uranium: In the province of Río Negro, there is the Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex, designed and manufactured by INVAP, in the Pichileufú Arriba area, where the fuel used for Argentine plants using PWR technology will be produced. The Pilcaniyeu project will use the gaseous diffusion method for uranium enrichment, increasing the concentration of U235 regarding its percentage in nature.

• Carem Project: It will be the first fully designed and built nuclear power plant in Argentina, and will be located in the town of Lima, Buenos Aires. Its construction began on 8 February 2014, and will generate a power of 25MW, and its conception complies with security regulations as determined by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority. Reactors of this type will serve to supply areas away from large urban centers or fabrile poles with high energy consumption. In addition, they serve for the desalination or supply of steam for industrial uses.

Infrastructure

The CNEA has a Headquarters, three Atomic Centers -Bariloche, Constituciónntes and Ezeiza-, the Pilcaniyeu Technological Complex and the San Rafael Mining and Manufacturing Complex. It also has four Regional Delegations: Center, Cuyo, Northwest and Patagonia.

Central Headquarters: located in the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, is the seat of the Presidency of the CNEA, and the administrative center of the Institution.

Bariloche Atomic Center (CAB): Located in the city of San Carlos de Bariloche, it is dedicated to the areas of nuclear physics and engineering. Labs, a specialized library, workshops and research centres are located there. Also at the CAB is the Balseiro Institute, one of the most prestigious academic institutes in the region, in which Bachelor's Degree Courses (Physical Licence, Nuclear Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Telecommunications Engineering), Master's and PhD.

Constituent Atomic Center (CAC): it is located in the convergence of the avenues General Paz and Constituents of the Bosnian party of San Martín. There is the first nuclear reactor of the Southern Hemisphere, the TANDAR heavy ion accelerator and various laboratories dedicated to the manufacture of fuel elements for research reactors, and nanotechnology and solar energy laboratories. The Sabato Institute operates within the scope of the CAC. Created in 1993 by the CNEA and the National University of San Martín, a graduate and graduate specialist in material science.

Ezeiza Atomic Center (CAE): It is located 33 kilometers from the City of Buenos Aires, in the town of Ezeiza.

Among its facilities are: Mass Spectrometry Center with Accelerator; RA-3 Radioisotope Production Reactor, and associated dependencies; Semi Industrial Irradiation Plant; Argentinian Nuclear Fuels S.A.; Special Alloys Factory s.a.; Radioactive Waste Management Area; High Pressure Test Laboratory; Benin Nuclear Technology Institute.

There are research and scientific-technological development, metrological, industrial, agricultural and radiopharmaceutical applications. In addition, they are complemented by the training of graduate and postgraduate professionals, technicians and specialists in disciplines such as Radiochemistry, Nuclear Reacters and Radiological Safety.

Regional Delegations: The mission is to carry out the exploration and exploration of mineral resources of nuclear interest, in particular the uranmals, in the jurisdictional area of each one.

Regional Centre: Located in the city of Córdoba, it has jurisdiction over the provinces of Córdoba, La Rioja and Santiago del Estero. In its predium, the uranium dioxide production plant of the associated company DIOXITEK S. A. is installed.

Regional Cuyo: Based in the city of Mendoza and jurisdiction over the provinces of Mendoza, San Juan, San Luis, La Pampa and Neuquén.

Regional Northwest: Based in the city of Salta and jurisdiction over the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta and Tucumán.

Regional Patagonia: Based in the city of Trelew and jurisdiction over the provinces of Chubut, Río Negro, Santa Cruz and Tierra del Fuego.

Vocational Training

CNEA has agreements with Argentine universities through which three university-level institutes were created located in CNEA's atomic centers. These are:

Balseiro Institute: (Bariloche Atomic Center): Inaugurated in 1955, this institution depends on the National University of Cuyo for the development of Doctorates and Bachelor's Degrees in Physics and Nuclear Engineering.

Professor Jorge A. Sabato Institute of Technology: (Constituent Atomic Center): Created in 1993 together with the National University of San Martín, courses related to Materials Sciences are taught there.

Dr. Dan Beninson Institute of Technology: (Ezeiza Atomic Center): Also with the National University of San Martín, in 2006 this institution was created where you can learn Master's Degrees in Nuclear Reactors and Radiochemistry.

In terms of nuclear medicine, CNEA trains human resources through Medical Physics courses and residencies at the Nuclear Medicine School Foundation (FUESMEN), in collaboration with the Balseiro Institute, the Nuclear Diagnostic Center Foundation (FCDN) and the services of nuclear medicine from public hospital centers that have the support of CNEA and the collaboration of the Dan Beninson Institute.

Companies and organizations

Several companies and institutions that make up the nuclear sector grew thanks to the promotion of CNEA. These companies are:

• Argentinian Nuclear Fuels S.A. (CONUAR): manufacturer of fuels for experimental power reactors;
• S.A. Space Alloy Factory (FAE): manufacturer of zircaloy tubes and semi-finished;
• INVAP: designer and builder of nuclear reactors and installations;
• Engineering Services Neuquén Company S.E. (ENSI): heavy water producer;
• DIOXITEK: uranium dioxide producer and irradiation source manufacturer for medical and industrial use;
• Constituent Technological Polo S.A. (PTC): technology service provider;
• Fundación Escuela de Medicina Nuclear (FUESMEN): focuses on the application of nuclear techniques for diagnosis and therapy;
• Nuclear Diagnostic Centre Foundation (FCDN): dedicated to radiodiagnosis;
• Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development (IEDS): is responsible for the research and development of energies in general and also for sustainable development;
• International Centre for Earth Sciences (ICES): studies and investigates the earth sciences;
• International Laboratory Associate of Nanosciences: is responsible for the research and development of nanosciences and nanotechnologies;
• Institute of Technologies in Detection and Astroparticles (ITeDA): technologies associated with the universe sciences and astroparticles.