Paraguay Evaluates Nuclear Energy for 2035

Paraguay is advancing plans to integrate nuclear energy into its power matrix through the use of next-generation modular reactors. The Radiological and Nuclear Regulatory Authority has presented a roadmap projecting the operation of a nuclear power plant by 2035, according to Minister Jorge Andrés Molina. The proposal stems from the need to diversify the country’s electricity generation sources.

Paraguay’s heavy reliance on hydroelectric power from the Itaipú and Yacyretá plants presents strategic challenges. Rising domestic energy demand, driven by the expansion of cryptocurrency mining farms and industrial development, is placing increasing pressure on the national grid. This situation has prompted the search for complementary energy alternatives to ensure a reliable future power supply.

The proposed nuclear plan involves the construction of small modular reactors (SMRs), an advanced technology that enables scalability based on demand. Compared to traditional large-scale reactors, SMRs offer operational advantages such as greater implementation flexibility and lower upfront investment requirements. These reactors represent a significant technological advancement in the global nuclear sector.

The selected technology is the BWRX-300 modular reactor developed by GE Hitachi, currently under construction in Canada. That Canadian plant, scheduled to become operational by 2030, will be the first of its kind in the Americas and is expected to serve as a technical reference for the Paraguayan project. Operational data from the Canadian experience will be crucial for Paraguay’s local implementation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) received Paraguay’s proposal during a visit by its Director General, Rafael Grossi, in December 2024. The agency has requested a feasibility study, which Paraguay must submit between July and August 2025. This document will be key in assessing the technical and economic viability of the proposed nuclear project.

Implementing the plan would require a preparation period of two to three years to meet necessary infrastructure requirements before construction can begin. Paraguay must build regulatory, technical, and human resource capacities for nuclear technology management. The timeline anticipates that the power plant would be built with Paraguayan labor.

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In parallel with its nuclear plans, Paraguay is also exploring complementary energy options, including solar power expansion and regional cooperation for natural gas development. Solar energy offers faster deployment but is limited in scale compared to projected demand. Partnerships with Argentina and Brazil for gas resource development broaden the country’s energy diversification prospects.

The decision to build the nuclear plant will depend on political, economic, and technical factors evaluated after the feasibility study. The initiative marks a significant shift in Paraguay’s energy strategy and requires long-term political consensus. The current planning phase sets the groundwork for a potential transition toward a more diversified and resilient energy system.

El artículo en español aquí.