BRAZIL: REASSESSING THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGAM

This document, titled "BRAZIL: REASSESSING THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM," provides an overview of Brazil's nuclear power program and its reevaluation. It mentions that Brazil initially had plans to install eight power reactors and develop a complete nuclear fuel cycle by 1990 through an agreement with West Germany. However, due to factors such as cost overruns, construction delays, lower electricity demand projections, and domestic criticism, Brazil is likely to scale down its nuclear program.

The current nuclear program includes the construction of a three-reactor complex in Angra dos Reis, with the first reactor being a Westinghouse unit expected to be fully operational in 1980. Brazil is also building various facilities associated with uranium conversion, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. However, the completion dates for the reactors have been delayed, and Brazil may not build the additional six reactors initially planned.

Several factors have led Brazil to reconsider its nuclear power plans. The estimated costs have significantly increased, and electricity demand is growing slower than anticipated. The program has faced criticism regarding costs, site security, safety procedures, and environmental concerns. As a result, the new administration in Brazil is expected to trim the program to more realistic levels and focus on conventional power generation and hydroelectric facilities.

The document suggests that Brazil's hydroelectric potential is sufficient to meet power requirements, and the country recognizes the lower operating costs and better market prospects of hydroelectric power compared to nuclear power. However, Brazil remains committed to a full nuclear fuel cycle, but delays in uranium enrichment may continue to necessitate importing enriched fuels beyond 1990.

The reduced scale of other nuclear support services and the reactor component plant would make nuclear power even more costly, and finding foreign buyers for Brazilian nuclear equipment may become challenging. Curtailing the program would allow Brazil to allocate its resources to more productive programs, including hydroelectric capacity expansion.

Overall, the document indicates Brazil's reconsideration of its nuclear power program and the potential scaling down of the program due to various challenges and changing circumstances.