Bolivia set to kick off nuclear programme

• 9 years ago (2014-10-03)
• Junior Isles

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President Evo Morales has announced that Bolivia will launch its civilian nuclear energy programme this year with the construction of plants in the western province of La Paz and an investment outlay of more than $2 billion through 2025.

Morales, who made the announcement during the signing of a contract with a Spanish company for the construction of a hydroelectric power plant, reiterated that the programme is for peaceful purposes.

“A country that has energy (self-sufficiency) is a free country. It’s an independent country. The best way for us to become free as well is having nuclear energy for peaceful ends,” he said.

Bolivia’s government has repeatedly defended its right to use nuclear energy. In January, Morales began his ninth year in office saying the country’s nuclear programme is a “strategic priority” because Bolivia wants “to contribute to the life and humanity of the world”.

He also added that a PET/CT cyclotron facility, a type of particle accelerator; a nuclear power reactor; and a nuclear research reactor will be built in the Andean province of La Paz .

Russia, Iran, Argentina and France are potential partners in Bolivia’s nuclear programme.

Last week state-owned Corporacion Minera de Bolivia said it found a uranium deposit in the eastern province of Santa Cruz, although its size is not yet known.