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Resumption of Construction on the Angra 3 Nuclear Power Plant Could Generate 8 Thousand Jobs, but It Is a Question That Divides Opinions.
The National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) and the Brazilian Institute of the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) conducted a joint inspection at the Angra 1 Plant on April 4 and 5, 2023, in order to monitor the impacts of the unplanned release of radioactive effluents that occurred in September 2022. The action aims to ensure the safety and environmental protection of the region.
Built in the 1970s, the Angra 1 Plant is one of three nuclear power plants in Brazil, located in the city of Angra dos Reis, in the state of Rio de Janeiro. In September of last year, there was an event involving the unplanned release of radioactive effluents at the plant, which raised concerns among the local population and the authorities responsible for nuclear and environmental safety.
IBAMA reported on March 24, 2022, that Eletronuclear took four months to admit the discharge of radioactive substances from the Angra 1 nuclear power plant into the sea. According to the institute, the leak was only acknowledged by the state-owned company responsible for the Angra 1 and 2 plants in January of this year.
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During the joint inspection, CNEN and IBAMA technicians evaluated the environmental and radiological monitoring systems of the plant, checking whether the equipment was functioning properly and whether safety measures were being adopted correctly.
Additionally, water, air, and soil samples from the region were taken for analysis of potential radiation levels. According to CNEN, the results of these analyses will be released soon.
The inspection serves as a reminder of the importance of nuclear safety and the need to maintain a high level of monitoring and control at all stages of nuclear energy production.
Eletronuclear Receives Funding to Extend the Lifespan of Angra 1 and Operate Safely Until 2044
Eletronuclear announced on September 15, 2022, that it received the first release of funds, amounting to USD 12,998,909.49, from international financing obtained from Santander for the Angra 1 Lifetime Extension Program.
Brazilian nuclear plants have been licensed to operate for 40 years, following global standards, with Angra 1 having started operations in 1985. Eletronuclear’s objective is to extend the operation of the unit by another 20 years—a common practice at plants worldwide. To this end, the company has implemented the Unit Life Extension Program, which will carry out the necessary measures for Angra 1 to continue operating safely until 2044.
Although Angra 2 still has half of its useful life ahead, the company is already conducting studies to implement an aging management program for systems, structures, and components at the plant, similar to Angra 1.
Lula Announced Plans to Resume Construction of the Angra 3 Nuclear Power Plant, Halted Since 2015
The Brazilian government is studying the resumption of construction on the Angra 3 nuclear power plant, aiming to increase electricity generation capacity and reduce dependence on imported oil. Additionally, electricity generation through nuclear power plants can be a cleaner and more sustainable alternative compared to generation from oil-fired thermoelectric plants.
However, the resumption of nuclear power plant construction in Brazil is a contentious issue. On one hand, nuclear energy advocates highlight its importance for the national energy matrix and its efficiency in energy generation. On the other hand, critics argue about the risks involved in nuclear energy production and the potential environmental and public health impacts.
Recently, the Lula government announced plans to resume construction of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant, which has been halted since 2015. According to the government, the plant will be essential for ensuring the country’s energy security, reducing reliance on fossil fuels, and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Yet the government faces internal and external pressures.
It is important to emphasize that the resumption of construction of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant is a decision that must be made responsibly, following best safety practices and respecting environmental regulations. It is estimated that construction of the plant could generate over 8 thousand direct and indirect jobs, in addition to bringing significant benefits to the Brazilian economy, creating jobs and income and contributing to the country’s energy security.
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