Nuclear Energy in Brazil: Challenges and Perspectives

Written by Corporativo

Published on 23/11/2023 at 18:21

Foto: Diego Rodrigues

Be the first to react!

Obstacles to the Expansion of Nuclear Energy

Experts gathered at the XIV International Seminar on Nuclear Energy, held at the Society of Engineers and Architects of the State of Rio de Janeiro, addressed the main challenges for the expansion of nuclear energy in Brazil. The conclusion is clear: for nuclear energy to “take off” in the country, long-term planning and assertive political decisions are essential. The meeting, which began on November 21, discussed how to make nuclear projects faster and more economical.

The Need for Planning and Political Decision

Luis Fernando Prioli, president of ENBPar, highlighted the importance of planning that transcends governments and establishes itself as state policy. Eduardo Grivot de Grand Court, president of Eletronuclear, emphasized the negative repercussions of interruptions in the construction of nuclear plants, pointing to the unnecessary increase in costs and potential risks of energy scarcity in the future. Both agree that nuclear energy is crucial for achieving carbon emission reduction targets, being more advantageous compared to other more expensive sources.

Construction Costs and Timelines: A Global Challenge

John Forman, director of J. Forman Consulting and moderator of the panel “Construction Costs and Timelines,” noted that delays and interruptions are a global problem, leading to increased costs and tariffs. Gustavo Cerqueira, from the Energy Research Company (EPE), pointed out that delays in construction are not a Brazilian peculiarity, with construction timelines varying from eight to over 40 years. He also listed additional benefits of nuclear energy, including knowledge production, technological mastery, carbon reduction, and positive socioeconomic impacts.

ARTICLE CONTINUES BELOW

Communication and Public Acceptance of SMRs

Paulo Senra, from the Electric Sector Studies Group (GESEL/UFRJ), discussed the challenges in safety, waste management, and public acceptance of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). He emphasized the need to improve communication with the public to overcome ignorance about nuclear energy, citing the example of an influencer who faced criticism for advocating for nuclear energy.

Conclusion: Path to Nuclear Growth

The International Seminar on Nuclear Energy continues its program, discussing and formulating strategies to overcome challenges and boost the nuclear industry in Brazil. More information about the event can be found at www.sienbrasil.com.br. Nuclear energy, with the right adjustments in planning, political decision, and communication, can play a significant role in Brazil’s energy future.

Source: Nelza Oliveira – Primeira Linha Comunicações.

Nuclear Energy in Brazil: Challenges and Perspectives

Obstacles to the Expansion of Nuclear Energy

The Need for Planning and Political Decision

Construction Costs and Timelines: A Global Challenge

Communication and Public Acceptance of SMRs

Conclusion: Path to Nuclear Growth

Forget petroleum-based asphalt: a Scottish company transforms 684,000 plastic bottles into one kilometer of road that is 60% more resistant and up to 10 times more durable, and the technology has already started replacing traditional asphalt in more than 30 countries.

With billions in loans, China is rebuilding Nigeria’s railway network from scratch, abandoning the British colonial tracks that have turned to scrap and creating a corridor of over 1,300 km to take the load off the roads of Africa’s largest economy.

Austrian engineers have developed an inflatable concrete technology that transforms flat slabs into domes using only air pressure, eliminating scaffolding and temporary forms, and potentially changing the way bridges, tunnels, and curved roofs are constructed worldwide.

Australia prepares to dredge 96.5 million m³ in Moreton Bay to deepen, widen, and realign channels of the Port of Brisbane, in a project of up to 25 years designed to accommodate larger ships and enhance maritime safety and regional port efficiency.

Study solves great ancient mystery: remains of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, are identified in Vergina and resolves the enigma of the Macedonian royal tombs that had lasted half a century.

Larger than the Toyota Hilux and with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons, the new MG U9 2026 features a 2.5 turbodiesel engine, 520 Nm, 4×4 traction with three locks, and an almost full-size build.

For the first time in history, a submarine cable will descend to four thousand meters deep under the ice of the North Pole to ensure that the internet between Europe and Asia no longer depends on conflict zones in the Middle East.

While the world discusses geopolitics, China is quietly closing a deal with its Kazakh neighbor to secure grain supplies during any global food crisis, with more than 3,600 Kazakh companies already able to export directly to the Chinese market.

A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.

Amid the United States’ economic blockade, China delivers 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba as part of a 60,000-ton donation personally approved by Xi Jinping. The package includes 80 million dollars and solar panels for hospitals.

The James Webb telescope spotted a planet 700 light-years from Earth with mornings full of sand clouds and nights with clear skies, the temperature difference between the two hemispheres reaches an impressive 170 degrees.

Nuclear Energy in Brazil: Challenges and Perspectives

Obstacles to the Expansion of Nuclear Energy

The Need for Planning and Political Decision

Construction Costs and Timelines: A Global Challenge

Communication and Public Acceptance of SMRs

Conclusion: Path to Nuclear Growth

Forget petroleum-based asphalt: a Scottish company transforms 684,000 plastic bottles into one kilometer of road that is 60% more resistant and up to 10 times more durable, and the technology has already started replacing traditional asphalt in more than 30 countries.

With billions in loans, China is rebuilding Nigeria’s railway network from scratch, abandoning the British colonial tracks that have turned to scrap and creating a corridor of over 1,300 km to take the load off the roads of Africa’s largest economy.

Austrian engineers have developed an inflatable concrete technology that transforms flat slabs into domes using only air pressure, eliminating scaffolding and temporary forms, and potentially changing the way bridges, tunnels, and curved roofs are constructed worldwide.

Australia prepares to dredge 96.5 million m³ in Moreton Bay to deepen, widen, and realign channels of the Port of Brisbane, in a project of up to 25 years designed to accommodate larger ships and enhance maritime safety and regional port efficiency.

Study solves great ancient mystery: remains of Philip II, father of Alexander the Great, are identified in Vergina and resolves the enigma of the Macedonian royal tombs that had lasted half a century.

Larger than the Toyota Hilux and with a towing capacity of 3.5 tons, the new MG U9 2026 features a 2.5 turbodiesel engine, 520 Nm, 4×4 traction with three locks, and an almost full-size build.

Nuclear company backed by Bill Gates partners with Hyundai for next-generation 345 MW nuclear reactor

Russia is sailing all 8 nuclear icebreakers of its fleet simultaneously for the first time in history, as the Arctic freezes two weeks earlier than expected.

With 39 years of halted construction and R$1 billion draining annually without generating a single watt, Angra 3 has become a ticking time bomb for Eletronuclear — while China put 20 new reactors into operation in the same period.

The United States spent US$ 15 billion to excavate 8 km of tunnels inside a mountain in the Nevada desert — the world’s safest nuclear waste repository was ready, but never received a single barrel of waste.

China has just commissioned the world’s first commercial mini-nuclear reactor — it is only 14 meters tall, generates energy for 526,000 homes, and prevents 880,000 tons of CO₂ per year.

For the first time in history, a submarine cable will descend to four thousand meters deep under the ice of the North Pole to ensure that the internet between Europe and Asia no longer depends on conflict zones in the Middle East.

While the world discusses geopolitics, China is quietly closing a deal with its Kazakh neighbor to secure grain supplies during any global food crisis, with more than 3,600 Kazakh companies already able to export directly to the Chinese market.

A British company has installed in the middle of the ocean the world’s first floating platform that generates electricity 24 hours a day from the temperature difference between the surface and the depths of the Atlantic, without relying on wind or sun.

Amid the United States’ economic blockade, China delivers 15,000 tons of rice to Cuba as part of a 60,000-ton donation personally approved by Xi Jinping. The package includes 80 million dollars and solar panels for hospitals.

The James Webb telescope spotted a planet 700 light-years from Earth with mornings full of sand clouds and nights with clear skies, the temperature difference between the two hemispheres reaches an impressive 170 degrees.