The Brazilian president Michael Termer is to look to Chinese financial and sector expertise to complete the country’s third nuclear power plant.
The Angra 3 plant’s construction was commenced in 1984, but has for various reasons been delayed over the last three decades.
The Brazilian nuclear energy company Eletronuclear will sign a cooperation agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation(CNNC) during Termer’s state visit to China on Friday, signalling their intent to establish a partnership to finish the nuclear power plant.
Completion of the 1,405 megawatt reactor on the coast south of Rio de Janeiro is now scheduled for 2023, but Brazil does not have the estimated $5bn needed to finish the job.
Russia is also interested in completing Angra 3 and Eletronuclear, a subsidiary of state-run electric utility Eletrobras, has held talks with the Russian nuclear monopoly Rosatom.
The Chinese corporation is expected to have the advantage in terms of abundant financial resources.
President Termer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the BRICS summit in Xiamen.
Source: Power Engineering International