The Franco-Brazilian alliance strengthened by nuclear submarine innovation

Emmanuel Macron underlines France's support for Brazil in their joint submarine project, and even considers the nuclear future.

Share:

Macron Lula coopération sous-marins

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

In Itaguaí, Macron clearly expressed France’s support for the development of Brazilian submarines, opening the door to innovation with nuclear propulsion. “I would like us to open the chapter for new submarines, the fourth, the fifth, but (…) that we look nuclear propulsion in the face,” he asserts. The statement came during the launch ceremony of a conventionally-powered Franco-Brazilian submarine, a tangible sign of the long-standing collaboration between the two nations.

Brazil’s quest for nuclear technology

Brazil’s request for a nuclear technology transfer is emphasized by Lula, who assures us that Brazil’s nuclear ambitions are aimed at peaceful objectives. “If Brazil wants to have access to knowledge of nuclear technology, it’s not to wage war. We want this knowledge to assure all countries that want peace that Brazil will be at their side,” Lula emphasized. This request for specific technological collaboration is part of Brasilia’s desire to integrate nuclear propulsion into its submarines, with the purchase of related equipment from France.

Milestones in sustainable cooperation

The launch of Tonelero, the third Scorpene-class submarine, marks a key milestone in the partnership between France and Brazil, initiated in 2008. The partnership includes the construction of four conventionally-powered submarines, as well as enabling Brazil to design its first nuclear attack submarine, the Alvaro Alberto, with Naval Group providing technical assistance for the design, with the exception of the nuclear part.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite the project’s delays, the commitment of both countries remains strong. The development of Brazil’s nuclear submarine symbolizes Brasilia’s ambition to achieve strategic technological autonomy while strengthening its defense capabilities.

Cooperation in the field of nuclear propulsion represents a possible next step in Franco-Brazilian relations. This perspective opens up new horizons for collaboration in defense and technology, underlining the importance of international non-proliferation commitments.

Premier American Uranium and Nuclear Fuels have announced a target date of around September 19 to finalise their strategic consolidation, pending final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange.
The General Court of the European Union has rejected Austria’s appeal against the inclusion of gas and nuclear energy in the classification of sustainable investments.
Kazakhstan has signed an agreement with Nukem Technologies Engineering Services GmbH to benefit from German expertise in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management.
The European Court of Justice annulled the European Commission's authorisation of Hungarian state aid for the Paks II nuclear project, questioning compliance with EU public procurement rules.
A Chinese consortium has secured a CNY4.2bn ($594mn) contract for the construction of conventional islands for the Xuwei nuclear project, combining third and fourth generation reactors.
Rosatom and China National Nuclear Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in talent development and skills training in the nuclear sector.
Iran has reached a new agreement with the International Atomic Energy Agency to formalise the resumption of inspections, following months of suspension linked to military tensions and criticism of its nuclear programme.
The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.