Government forms Working Group to analyze the incorporation of nuclear technology as part of energy options in Peru

The following is a machine translatio of a Minem release

The Executive Branch formed a temporary Sectoral Working Group, dependent on the Ministry of Energy and Mines (MINEM), which aims to prepare the Roadmap that will include conclusions and recommendations regarding the convenience of incorporating nuclear technology as part of the long-term energy options in Peru, in accordance with Ministerial Resolution No. 419-2024-MINEM/DM.

Its functions include: i) Identifying and proposing actions and measures within the framework of the competencies of the Energy and Mining Sector, ii) Evaluating how nuclear energy could help achieve climate neutrality within the time frame stipulated in the Paris Agreement, and, iii) Identifying opportunities to develop electricity generation capacity with nuclear energy.

This Working Group will also identify the opportunities, costs and advantages offered by Small Modular Reactors (SMR), which are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit.

At the end of their work, which according to regulations will last for a period of 180 days, this specialized team of professionals and experts will issue a final report addressed to the Minister of Energy and Mines, with the actions developed as a result of the work done.

The Working Group is made up of the Minister of Energy and Mines, the Vice Minister of Electricity, the Director General of Electricity, the Director General of Environmental Affairs of Electricity, the Director General of Energy Efficiency, the President of the Peruvian Institute of Nuclear Energy, among other professionals linked to the sector.

The preamble to the law states that the MINEM seeks to promote energy security and encourage the development of clean energy that contributes to counteracting the effects of climate change, with the use of nuclear power being an alternative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and diversify our energy matrix.

It is also stated that this team may request the collaboration, advice, support, opinion and technical contribution of representatives of different public and/or private entities at the national and international level, for which it may call upon the specialists and institutions that are necessary, without generating expenses for the Public Treasury.