Brazilian nuclear policy
What exists, what is missing — and the paradox of the largest country in the Southern Hemisphere with active tokamaks.
- Angra I/II/III — Angra dos Reis (RJ) • Eletronuclear
- IEN — Rio de Janeiro • CNEN
- CDTN — Belo Horizonte • UFMG/CNEN
- IPEN — São Paulo • USP/CNEN
- INB Caetité — Bahia • mineração de urânio
- INB Resende — RJ • conversão e combustível
- CTMSP — Iperó (SP) • Marinha do Brasil
Brazil has one of the most comprehensive nuclear policies in Latin America — but faces serious challenges in funding and continuity.
What exists
- CNEN — National Nuclear Energy Commission, established in 1956. Regulates, researches and authorises the use of nuclear technology in the country.
- INB — Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil. Responsible for the nuclear fuel cycle.
- Eletronuclear — State-owned company that operates Angra 1 and 2 and is building Angra 3.
- Navy Nuclear Programme (CTMSP) — developing nuclear propulsion for submarines.
- PNFN — National Nuclear Fusion Programme, coordinated by CNEN with USP participation. Plans for the National Fusion Laboratory in Iperó (SP).
Source: SBPC; BIFUSP/USP, 2023.
What is missing
Brazil has no stable public policy for nuclear fusion. Research depends almost entirely on CNPq, FAPESP and CAPES — all subject to budget cuts. There are not even consolidated figures on the total amount invested in fusion in the country.
Source: BARROS, M. defesaemfoco.com.br, 2021.
Paradox: Brazil has the scientific foundations, uranium reserves (6th largest in the world) and qualified researchers. What is missing is a long-term political commitment.
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