Brazil’s major electric utility will partner with French counterpart EDF on a three-year study of nuclear power capabilities in the South American nation.
Centrais Elétricas Brasileiras, known as Eletrobras, signed a memorandum of understanding with EDF to collaborate with the Brazilian utility’s Electronuclear unit. They will work together on resumption of activities at the Angra 3 unit while also studying ways to improve issues at the Angra 1 and 2 units, according to an EletroBras statement.
“The French company will contribute with its expertise to the operation of Angra 1 and Angra 2 nuclear power plants in the prevention of the aging of materials, in the identification of the risk of equipment obsolescence, maintenance and training,” reads the statement on the company website.
The memorandum could be extended for up to five years. Some specifics are still to be defined, according to the release.
The Eletronuclear unit was established 21 years ago to build thermal nuclear plants in Brazil and now accounts for about 3 percent of power consumed in the nation, according to reports. Angra 1 and 2 have a combined generating capacity of about 2,007 MW.
Angra 3, once completed, would be a replica of the 1,350-MW Angra 2, according to reports.
Source: Electric Light & Power