Brazil: Eletronuclear responds to Angra 3 cost report

A recent analysis by the Federal Court of Accounts highlights the exorbitant costs of finishing Angra 3, defying reasonable pricing principles.
Projet Angra 3 Brésil

Partagez:

The Angra 3 initiative, a Brazilian nuclear project that was interrupted and then resumed, is in the spotlight following a critical analysis by the Tribunal de Comptes de l’Union (TCU). This report highlights a worrying disparity between forecast costs and affordable pricing principles. Eletronuclear, theEletrobras subsidiary in charge of the project, reaffirms the company’s commitment to clean, economically viable energy, despite the financial challenges highlighted.

Financial analysis and impact

TCU is critical of the proposed tariff structure for Angra 3, arguing that it could unduly burden consumers’ bills. This position is reinforced by initial forecasts from the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES), which suggest higher costs than other forms of energy production. Eletronuclear defends the project, promising an in-depth study by BNDES to set the final tariff.

Eletronuclear’s response and strategic implications

In response, Eletronuclear argues for recognition of indirect benefits, such as job creation and economic stimulation. An investment in nuclear power, the company argues, would generate substantial spin-offs for the local and national economy. The need to reconcile these benefits with fair pricing remains a central challenge.

Public consultation and future prospects

Public consultation on the Angra 3 construction site marks a crucial stage in the project’s social acceptability. With successive interruptions and socio-environmental issues to resolve, the road to resuming work is littered with regulatory and community obstacles.

Angra 3 is part of a broader nuclear development strategy in Brazil, aimed at increasing the country’s nuclear capacity by 10 GW by 2050. This ambition reflects a desire to integrate alternative energy sources, seeking a balance between economic growth and environmental management.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.