Nuclear beyond energy
Medicine, propulsion, agriculture, industry.
Energy is just one application of nuclear technology. Others include:
Medicine
Nuclear medicine uses radioisotopes for diagnosis and treatment. Lutetium-177, for example, is used in the treatment of prostate and neuroendocrine cancer. In January 2025, Eletronuclear signed an agreement to produce lutetium-177 at Angra 2.
Source: World Nuclear Association, "Brazil", Jan. 2025.
Propulsion
Nuclear submarines and aircraft carriers use compact fission reactors. Brazil is developing nuclear propulsion technology for submarines through the Navy Nuclear Programme (CTMSP).
Agriculture
Nuclear techniques are used for food preservation by irradiation and for pest control. Brazil is a world reference in the use of the sterile insect technique, developed at IPEN (USP).
Industry
Industrial radiography uses gamma rays to inspect welds and structures without destroying them — essential in civil construction, oil and gas, and aeronautics.