Brazil - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Current operations
There are two operable reactors in Brazil, Angra 1&2. Eletronuclear applied in 2019 to extend the operating lifetime of Angra 1 from 40 to 60 years. The unit commenced operation in 1982.
Pre-construction work began on a third unit at Angra in 1984, but the project has experienced several lengthy delays. According to Eletronuclear in November 2025, the target commissioning date for Angra 3 had slipped to 2033. However, as of May 2026 the government’s National Energy Policy Council had not reached a decision to proceed with completion of the plant.
Table Br.1 Nuclear capacity status (as of 1 October 2026)
| Operable reactors | Operable reactors net capacity (MWe) | Operable reactors gross capacity (MWe) | Reactors under construction | Reactors under construction gross capacity (MWe) | Carbon dioxide emissions avoided (cf. coal) (MtCO2) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1884 | 1990 | 1 | 1405 | 352 |
Nuclear policy and outlook
Brazil’s National Energy Plan to 2050 (PNE 2050), published in 2020, included an aim to add 8-10 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2050, in addition to Angra 3. In 2026 the updated PNE 2055 scenarios envisaged the possible deployment of up to 14 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2055, including SMRs. For the WNOR a 2050 capacity of 11,395 MWe is projected.
In May 2025 Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy said that he expected the development of a small modular reactor project with Russia in the near future.
The National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) aims to demonstrate the feasibility of the development of a Brazilian 3-5 MW microreactor. The vision is for the microreactor to fit within a 40-foot container and be operated remotely for more than 10 years without any need for refuelling.
Table Br.2 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1350 | 640 | 1405 | - | - | - | 8000 | 8000 | 11,395 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Assessment
Brazil’s readiness is strongest in institutional capability, operating experience and fuel cycle capacity. Progress with project execution and financing is needed; Angra 3 remains unresolved and new nuclear capacity projects are not defined.
| Country Category | Restarter |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Moderate Brazil has a long-term nuclear policy objective. This now needs to be strengthened into a clear framework, beyond the Angra 1 operating lifetime extension, both for Angra 3 and proposals for additional reactors. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | High Brazil has a strong institutional and industrial base for nuclear power compared with many countries considering new build. Brazil has long-standing nuclear legislation, licensing standards and international safeguards arrangements. |
| Programme & Project Development Readiness | Low-Moderate Brazil has experience in developing a nuclear power programme and a partly built third reactor. However, this has been much delayed, and the country’s future capacity pipeline is not yet developed. |
| Target Achievability | Low Completion of Angra 3 remains uncertain, and there is no clear project programme for additional new reactors. |
