Westinghouse reactor near Rio de Janeiro began commercial operation in 1985
Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) has approved the long-term operation of the Angra-1 nuclear power plant to 2044, extending its life to 60 years, with operator Eletronuclear planning to invest $550m (€524m) in the facility.
The request for the life extension was submitted by state-owned Eletronuclear in 2019.
CNEN said there has been a “meticulous” technical evaluation of the request, a series of studies and four missions undertaken by International Atomic Energy Agency experts.
A plan for safety improvements includes upgrades to control systems, physical protection structures and radioactive waste management protocols, which will be implemented during upcoming maintenance and fuel refill shutdowns, CNEN said.
Eletronuclear said it will be investing about $550m between 2023 and 2027 and noted that similar plants in the US had received approval for further extensions to 80 years.
Angra-1, a Westinghouse 609-MW pressurised water reactor unit which began commercial operation in 1985, is in the municipality of Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro state, about 130 km west of the capital Rio de Janeiro.
According to CNEN, Angra-1 generated 4.78 million MWh in 2023 and has had a load factor of 88.24% for the past five years. It delivers enough energy to supply a city of two million people.
Brazil has two operational nuclear plants, Angra-1 and Angra-2, which provide around 2.7% of its electricity production.
Work on a third reactor, Angra 3, began in 1984 but was halted in 1986. Work resumed in June 2010, but was delayed into the 2020s. Construction resumed in November 2022, but has been interrupted by disputes with the municipality of the City of Angra dos Reis over agreements relating to environmental compensation and changes to planning permission.
