Evo Morales Brings Bolivia into the Nuclear Age
In a speech on November 20, Bolivia’s president Evo Morales announced ambitious plans for the development of nuclear energy in the country. Speaking in the town of El Alto, he declared “this will be the site of the nuclear center, which will be the largest in South America.” In addition to the $300 million cost of the plant, which would be Bolivia’s first, TeleSUR reports that Bolivia will invest $2 billion in research and infrastructure for its nuclear energy program. Preliminary plans for the site announced by Morales include a nuclear reactor, a cyclotron for the production of radiopharmaceuticals, and a multi-purpose gamma irradiation plant.
Russian nuclear company Rosatom has agreed to assist in conducting the project. In addition, Argentina has also signed on to assist Bolivia in developing the technical and bureaucratic infrastructure necessary for such a program. In 2010, The Guardian reported that Bolivia had a similar agreement with Iran, although nothing has materialized yet.
Bolivia’s choice of investment partners reflects a shift away from the United States and the West that has become Evo Morales’ hallmark. Since his presidency began, the Bolivian government has nationalized many of the country’s industries and strengthened ties with leftist administrations in Cuba and Ecuador.
On the nuclear front, Morales’ ambitious goals have not been without opposition. According to The Guardian, locals have expressed concerns over the environmental footprint of the plant. In fact, the project was originally planned for the capital of La Paz before local protests forced it out. More recently, critics have cited a lack of transparency in the proceedings.
The potential to launch a nuclear project, however, has entranced others because of its potential to rejuvenate a struggling city. Speaking to TeleSUR, one local leader indicated his support of the project, declaring “we do not fear nuclear energy.” The International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) also supports Bolivia’s efforts to develop a nuclear energy program.
In an interview with state news agency ABI, IAEA representative Pablo Delfang called Bolivia’s program a “sovereign decision” and reiterated that the IAEA will ensure that "all global standards of excellence in terms of safety, good technological practices and the best processes are applied.” He further added that these types of programs generally take seven to ten years to develop, after they get off the ground.
However, the president’s remarks in El Alto did more to praise his project’s vision than ensure people of its feasibility. “It poses no risk to humans or to Mother Earth,” he said to The Guardian. “It doesn’t contaminate the ground, nor water, nor air.”
If the project comes to fruition, Bolivia would become only the fourth nuclear energy producer in Latin America, following Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico.