Sep 01 | 2022
Nuclear Energy Given Boost at COP26
By Simon West
Nuclear energy was given a recent boost at COP26 after members recognized its crucial role in the pathway towards net-zero. Brazil and Argentina are the key markets in South America, with four reactor projects slated to come online by 2030.In Brazil, work is about to restart on the long-delayed Angra 3 nuclear power project in the state of Rio de Janeiro.
The project has suffered numerous setbacks since plans were first drawn up four decades ago to build a third reactor at Angra dos Reis.
Construction work was stopped in 2010 due to a lack of finance, then again in 2016 amid a corruption scandal.
Brazil’s nuclear utility Eletronuclear said the 1.4-gigawatt plant is 65 percent complete.
Argentina has plans for the construction of additional reactors at the Atucha complex in a partnership with China, but the country’s current economic problems pose a challenge to its nuclear ambitions, the Energy Industries Council’s Pietro Ferreira said.
The EIC expects nearly US$19 billion to be invested in nuclear development region-wide by 2030.
Colombia-based Simon West is senior reporter for Breakbulk. The EIC’s Amanda Duhon will be presenting a breakbulk and project market outlook with a focus on U.S. energy markets at Breakbulk Americas 2022, taking place on Sept. 27-29 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.
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