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Angra 3 Can Cost R$ 23 Billion to Be Completed. Decision in December Will Define the Future of One of Brazil’s Largest Nuclear Projects.
The fate of Angra 3, one of Brazil’s largest and most controversial nuclear energy projects, will be decided next month.
The National Energy Policy Council (CNPE) scheduled a meeting for December 4 that could determine the continuation of the plant, which has been halted since 2015.
If approved, the resumption will require a robust investment of R$ 23 billion, but it also promises to strengthen national energy security.
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According to information gathered by Petronotícias, 90% of this amount will come from financing, both from Brazilian banks and international institutions.
The president of Eletronuclear, Raul Lycurgo, advocated for the completion of the project, arguing that the cost of abandoning it would be almost as high as finishing it: R$ 21 billion, considering the expenses already incurred and accumulated losses.
Abandon or Complete: A Billion-Dollar Dilemma
Angra 3, designed to generate 1.4 GW of firm energy, is a key piece for the Brazilian electrical system.
The study commissioned by BNDES revealed that the costs to abandon the project would reach R$ 21 billion, an amount almost equivalent to what is needed to complete it.
For Lycurgo, abandoning the project would be a defeat not just financially, but also strategically, as Brazil would lose the chance to strengthen its energy matrix with a clean and reliable energy source.
The resumption of construction of Angra 3 is contingent on CNPE’s approval, which would pave the way for an international bidding process in 2025.
Eletronuclear hopes to sign the contract with the winning consortium still that same year, beginning construction immediately.
The plant is expected to start operating in 2031, adding crucial capacity to the country’s electrical system.
On the other hand, leaving the plant unfinished would have severe consequences for energy security. In a scenario where climate change and water crises challenge hydroelectric plants, nuclear energy emerges as a strategic alternative.
Moreover, the need to compensate for lost energy with more polluting sources could increase greenhouse gas emissions, contradicting the environmental commitments made by Brazil.
Technology and Modernity in Focus
Although the Angra 3 project was conceived decades ago, Lycurgo assured that the stored equipment is in perfect condition, thanks to continuous maintenance.
According to him, more than 12 thousand pieces are ready to be installed, while the control and monitoring systems, which will still be acquired, will utilize modern and updated technologies.
Despite the similarities between Angra 2 and Angra 3, especially in the initial design, the differences in operating systems will require specific training for the future operators of the new plant.
Eletronuclear intends to align the operations of the two plants in the long term, optimizing processes and increasing energy efficiency.
Nuclear Energy: Strategic Potential of Brazil
The possible resumption of Angra 3 reflects Brazil’s potential to become a protagonist in the global nuclear sector.
With one of the largest uranium reserves in the world, the country has the capacity to export nuclear fuel and enhance its international relevance.
However, the expansion of nuclear energy in Brazil depends on structural changes.
The National Energy Plan (PNE) 2050 proposes the construction of up to 10 GW of new nuclear plants, which will require a fivefold increase compared to current capacity.
According to Lycurgo, this advancement can only be achieved with the establishment of a new regulatory framework, allowing greater participation from private investors in the sector.
Additionally, experts warn of the need for strategic planning and consistent public policies to prevent the PNE 2050 goals from becoming mere promises on paper.
The completion of Angra 3, therefore, could be the first step in consolidating nuclear energy as a viable and sustainable solution in Brazil.
Modernization in Progress
Eletronuclear is also working on renewing the operating license for Angra 1, which will allow it to extend its operational life by another 20 years.
The process includes staged updates until 2028, with the new license possibly being issued as early as December of this year.
Meanwhile, preparations for Angra 3 continue. The drafts of the notices and contracts have already undergone public hearings and are now awaiting approval from the Federal Court of Accounts (TCU).
Once authorized, the bidding processes will begin, facilitating the resumption of construction in 2025.
Socioeconomic and Environmental Impact
In addition to ensuring clean and stable energy, the completion of Angra 3 could boost the economy by generating direct and indirect jobs in the construction and operation of the plant.
It is estimated that thousands of workers will be hired during the construction, benefiting the region of Angra dos Reis and its surroundings.
However, the project also faces criticism related to environmental impact and the risks associated with nuclear energy.
Environmental organizations emphasize the need for a robust plan for nuclear waste management and the safety of facilities, especially in a country with a history of delays and failures in the execution of major projects.
Do you think Brazil should invest in nuclear energy as a strategic source, or should it focus on alternatives like solar and wind? Comment and participate in the debate!
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