Speaking at an energy summit on Margarita island, Chavez said nuclear power, along with other alternative energy sources such as biodeisel and solar power, could help South America meet its energy needs in the coming decades.

Venezuela, with the largest oil and natural gas reserves on the continent, has promoted regional energy integration through bilateral energy investment and supply deals.

Chavez said the region should also "develop alternative energy sources, such as nuclear energy. "Argentina also has nuclear energy. No?," said Chavez at a meeting with other presidents from the region. "I think they're even exporting. I hope they export a small plant that we can put on the border, Alvaro," said Chavez, referring to his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe, who was present at the heads of state meeting where Chavez spoke.

Venezuela first suggested nuclear cooperation with Argentina and Brazil in 2005, but at the time officials said Venezuela was interested in nuclear research, not acquiring a nuclear plant.

Last year, Argentina pledged to spend $3.5 billion to revamp its nuclear program. This program includes the construction of a prototype exportable nuclear plant, called CAREM.

According to Argentine officials, the prototype would generate only 25 megawatts, although the design could be modified to generate 100 megawatts to 300 megawatts.

Last year, an Argentine nuclear official said Venezuela had inquired about a CAREM to use to power secondary oil recovery. Venezuela is currently spending billions of dollars to refurbish deteriorating electricity infrastructure for the nation's dominant oil industry.