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Nuclear energy

Brazil Seeks to Decarbonize Amazon Region with Small Modular Reactors

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Brazil's former Energy and Mines Minister, Bento Albuquerque, has advocated for the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace diesel-fired power plants in the Amazon rainforest, aiming to decarbonize Brazil's power generation mix in the region and beyond. According to Albuquerque, SMRs provide a clean, safe, and viable alternative to the country's dependence on fossil fuels. This initiative would also provide a solution for small cities that lack reliable and clean power. The country has already spent over R$13 billion in 2024 from the Energy Development Account to purchase diesel for isolated regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Brazil's former Energy and Mines Minister, Bento Albuquerque, has called for the use of small modular reactors (SMRs) to replace diesel-fired power plants in the Amazon rainforest, aiming to decarbonize the region's power generation mix.
  • Albuquerque believes that SMRs provide a clean, safe, and viable alternative to Brazil's dependence on fossil fuels, and would also provide a solution for small cities lacking reliable and clean power.
  • Brazil's electricity regulator, ANEEL, reports that the country spent over R$13 billion in 2024 from the Energy Development Account to purchase diesel for isolated regions.
  • Private investors' entry into new nuclear projects is limited by Brazil's constitutional and legal framework, which grants the federal government exclusive control over nuclear facilities.
  • Congressman Júlio Lopes (Progressive Party, PP, of Rio de Janeiro) is pushing for changes to the rules to enable private participation, particularly as minority shareholders, and believes that there is no constitutional barrier to minority stakes.
  • Brazil's nuclear sector is currently mired in uncertainty, with stalled projects such as Angra 3, delayed by corruption scandals and institutional hurdles, and strategic initiatives like the Brazilian Multipurpose Reactor and the Santa Quitéria mining and industrial complex awaiting political decisions.
  • Cooperation between Brazil and Russia in the nuclear sector has grown stronger, raising expectations of deeper international integration that could help the country overcome challenges and accelerate the development of new technologies.

Statistics:

  • Brazil spent over R$13 billion in 2024 from the Energy Development Account (CDE) to purchase diesel for isolated regions.
  • Brazil's nuclear sector is currently held back by a constitutional and legal framework that grants the federal government exclusive control over nuclear facilities.

Sources:

  • Valor (no date)
  • “I believe this will contribute to the decarbonization of the Amazon and other regions that rely on fossil fuels such as diesel,” - Bento Albuquerque
  • ANEEL report: "Brazil spent over R$13 billion in 2024 from the Energy Development Account (CDE) to purchase diesel for isolated regions."
  • Valor (no date) - Congressman Júlio Lopes statement

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