France and Brazil Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Nuclear Energy

17 Oct, 2023

France and Brazil Explore Collaborative Opportunities in Nuclear Energy

France and Brazil are committed to "rebuilding cooperation" in the energy sector, with a specific focus on nuclear energy. This decision follows discussions between the energy ministers of both nations in Paris. Brazil's Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, and France's Energy Transition Minister, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, engaged in talks regarding energy transition matters and opportunities for a strategic partnership.

Silveira emphasized, "We recognize the longstanding energy sector collaboration between Brazil and France, largely attributed to the enduring presence of French energy companies in Brazil." Unfortunately, in recent years, this relationship experienced a period of stagnation, and we are here to reestablish collaboration between our nations."

As per the Brazilian Ministry of Mines and Energy, it was agreed that a permanent working agenda would be established, covering various domains, with a particular emphasis on nuclear energy. Both countries expressed a strong interest in collaborating closely on this subject. The discussion also addressed Brazil's upcoming presidency of the G20 next year and explored ways in which the Brazilian and French governments can work together, not only bilaterally but also on a multilateral basis, to advance a common agenda.

Following the ministerial meeting, representatives from prominent French companies in the nuclear energy sector, including EDF and Framatome, convened with Silveira to deliberate on ongoing and potential new business ventures in Brazil.

Currently, Brazil operates two reactors, Angra 1 and Angra 2, contributing approximately 3% of the nation's electricity supply. The Angra 3 project, featuring a Siemens/KWU 1405 MW pressurized water reactor, was initiated in 1984 but was suspended two years later, before construction commenced. The project was revived in 2006, with the first concrete poured in 2010. However, due to a corruption investigation into government contracts, construction of the unit was halted for a second time in 2015, despite reaching 65% completion. Eletronuclear's recent goal is to commence operations by the end of 2026.

In 2022, Brazil initiated the process of identifying sites for new nuclear power plants. While historically reliant on hydroelectric power for up to 80% of its electricity, changes in rainfall patterns resulted in droughts, reducing hydro's contribution to 65% by 2018. Brazil's National Energy Plan up to 2050 outlines ambitions to add 10 GW of nuclear capacity over the next 30 years. France, on the other hand, operates 56 functioning nuclear power plants and has plans for the construction of several more in the coming years.