Life extension of the Angra 1 nuclear power plant in Brazil

Angra 1, Brazil's first nuclear power plant, is set to receive an extension of its operating life from 40 to 60 years, marking a crucial step for the country's energy security.

Share:

La centrale nucléaire Angra

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Angra 1, a nuclear power plant in Brazil, is an essential pillar of the country’s energy production. With a net capacity of 609 MWe, this pressurized water power plant began commercial operation in 1985. Eletronuclear is currently looking to extend the life of the plant from 40 to 60 years. A complex process requiring years of preparation and heavy investment

Extension process and regulatory requirements

The application to extend the plant’s life has been submitted to Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) in 2019. During 2023, Eletronuclear submitted 16 reports detailing various safety factors defined by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). In response to 166 follow-up questions from the CNEN, the company also carried out the third and final periodic safety reassessment. A document produced every ten years that assesses safety performance, emergency planning, equipment qualification and management systems.

Modernization and safety measures

To ensure the plant’s safe operation for a further 20 years, Eletronuclear has undertaken several significant upgrades. This includes replacing the steam generators, changing the reactor vessel cover and replacing the main transformers. Ageing and obsolescence management systems have also been implemented. These efforts represent an estimated investment of around R$3 billion (US$585 million) between 2024 and 2028. Short-term financing provided by main shareholders ENBPar and Eletrobras. Negotiations are also underway with the U.S. Export-Import Bank for the complete modernization program.

The SALTO mission and international alignment

Eletronuclear is also using the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission’s (NRC) license renewal application process, and is preparing for a fourth IAEA visit for a SALTO (Safety Aspects of Long-Term Operation) mission. Previous visits took place in 2013, 2018 and 2022. The purpose of these inspections is to assess the plant’s ability to continue operating safely beyond its original design life.

Future projects and challenges

In parallel with the extension of Angra 1, Eletronuclear also manages Angra 2, a 1275 MWe power plant (net capacity), in operation since 2001. Together, Angra 1 and 2 generate around 3% of Brazil’s electricity. However, the Angra 3 project, a 1405 MWe pressurized water reactor, has had several interruptions since construction began in 1984. Mainly due to corruption investigations and negotiations over socio-environmental compensation.

Long-term outlook

Despite these challenges, Brazil remains determined to increase its nuclear capacity. The National Energy Plan to 2050 calls for the addition of 10 GW of nuclear capacity over the next 30 years. This expansion aims to strengthen the country’s energy security and diversify its energy mix to meet the growing needs of its population.
The Angra 1 life extension process illustrates the challenges and efforts required to maintain and modernize nuclear infrastructures. With substantial investment and international cooperation, Brazil is seeking to guarantee stable, safe energy production while preparing the future of its nuclear sector.

Amazon unveils new visuals of its upcoming nuclear site, marking a key step in its partnership with X-energy to deploy up to 960 MW of modular nuclear capacity in Washington state.
Canadian uranium producer NexGen Energy has completed a A$1bn ($639mn) equity raise split between North American and Australian markets to support the development of its Rook I project.
Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings is examining the permanent closure of units 1 and 2 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the oldest at the site, while continuing efforts to restart unit 6.
The formal expiration of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran comes as international sanctions have already been reinstated and diplomatic negotiations remain stalled.
Oklo, newcleo and Blykalla partner to develop advanced nuclear fuel infrastructure in the United States, backed by a planned $2bn investment.
enCore Energy has identified three new uranium roll fronts at its Alta Mesa project, with ongoing drilling aimed at defining their extent and accelerating development work.
California-based Radiant will build its first microreactor production facility in Oak Ridge, on a former Manhattan Project site, with production targeted at 50 units per year by 2028.
EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.
Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.
JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.
EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.
The United Nations nuclear agency is urging Ukraine and Russia to establish a local ceasefire to repair damaged power lines at the Zaporizhzhia plant, which remains on alert after losing all external power supply.
Deep Isolation is calling on First Mover States to incorporate radioactive waste management into their joint strategy to ensure the industrial viability of new nuclear reactors.
Canada’s nuclear regulator has approved the launch of a new building that will store used steam generators from Bruce Power's refurbishment programme.
Costain has been selected to upgrade essential utilities at the Sellafield nuclear site under a contract worth up to £1bn over fifteen years.
A 5,000-megawatt nuclear programme will be launched by the South African government with NECSA to support national electricity supply and reduce power cuts.
Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.