Nuclear power generation in Brazil

Brazil is a country rich in energy resources, and its electricity mix is largely dominated by hydropower, which accounts for around 60% of electricity production [1]. Other energy sources include non-hydro renewables, fossil fuels and nuclear power. Although nuclear power only accounts for around 3% of Brazil’s total electricity production [2]it plays an important role in the country’s energy diversification and security.

Although nuclear power represents only a small fraction of Brazil’s electricity mix, it plays an important role in the country’s diversification and energy security. With the completion of Angra 3 and ambitious plans to develop new nuclear reactors, Brazil’s nuclear capacity is set to increase over the coming decades. At the same time, the country is investing in the research and development of innovative reactor technologies, in cooperation with other nations, to ensure a secure and sustainable energy future.

History of nuclear power generation in Brazil

The history of nuclear power in Brazil dates back to the 1950s, when the country began exploring the use of atomic energy for peaceful purposes [3]. In 1970, Brazil signed an agreement with the United States for the construction of its first nuclear power plant, Angra 1, which was commissioned in 1982 [4]. In the 1970s and 1980s, the country also signed cooperation agreements with Germany for the construction of two further nuclear power plants, Angra 2 and Angra 3 [5]. Angra 2 was connected to the grid in 2000, while Angra 3 is still under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026 [6].

Nuclear reactor technologies used

Angra 1 and 2 nuclear power plants use pressurized water reactors (PWRs), a technology widely used throughout the world. Angra 1 has a capacity of 657 MWe and uses a reactor designed by Westinghouse [7]. Angra 2, with a capacity of 1,350 MWe, uses a German-designed reactor manufactured by Siemens-KWU [8]. Angra 3, currently under construction, will also be equipped with a German-designed pressurized water reactor, with a planned capacity of 1,405 MWe [9].

Innovative power plant and reactor projects

Brazil has ambitious plans to expand its nuclear capacity and diversify its energy mix. The national energy plan calls for the construction of four to eight new nuclear reactors by 2050, with a total capacity of 10,000 MWe [10]. These projects are still under study, and no final decision has yet been taken on the reactor technology to be used.

In addition to nuclear power plant projects, Brazil is also investing in the research and development of innovative reactors. The country is

is cooperating with Argentina to develop a small modular reactor (SMR) called CAREM (Central Argentina de Elementos Modulares) [11]. This project aims to develop a safer, more flexible and cost-effective nuclear reactor technology to meet future energy needs.

In addition, Brazil is collaborating with China to explore the potential of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors (HTRs) [12]. These reactors are designed to operate at higher temperatures than conventional reactors, offering greater energy efficiency and potential applications in high-temperature industrial processes.

List of nuclear reactors in Brazil

Reactor NameModelReactor TypeNet Capacity (MWe)Construction StartFirst Grid Connection
Angra 12-loop WEPWR6091971-051982-04
Angra 2PRE KONVOIPWR1,2751976-012000-07
List of nuclear reactors in Brazil.
Source: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-a-f/brazil.aspx

Countries producing nuclear power

  1. United States: 94,718 GW
  2. France: 61,370 GW
  3. China: 53,170 GW
  4. Russia: 27,727 GW
  5. South Korea: 24,489 GW
  6. Japan: 16,321 GW
  7. Canada: 13,624 GW
  8. Ukraine: 13,107 GW

References

  • [1] Agência Nacional de Energia Elétrica (ANEEL), “Balanço Energético Nacional”, 2021.
  • [2] World Nuclear Association, “Nuclear Power in Brazil”, September 2021.
  • [3] F. Carajás Filho, “Energia Nuclear no Brasil: Uma História”, 2011.
  • [4] Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), “Angra 1”, 2021.
  • [5] World Nuclear Association, “Nuclear Power in Brazil”, September 2021.
  • [6] Eletronuclear, “Angra 3”, 2021.
  • [7] Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), “Angra 1”, 2021.
  • [8] Comissão Nacional de Energia Nuclear (CNEN), “Angra 2”, 2021.
  • [9] Eletronuclear, “Angra 3”, 2021.
  • [10] Empresa de Pesquisa Energética (EPE), “Plano Nacional de Energia 2050”, 2020.
  • [11] World Nuclear Association, “Small Nuclear Power Reactors”, October 2021.
  • [12] World Nuclear News, “China and Brazil cooperate on HTR technology”, 2017.
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_activities_in_Brazil