Brazilian nuclear renaissance in sustainable development scenario

Abstract

The 2005 to 2030 projections for the Brazilian development indicate growths from 2,020 kWh to 4,380 kWh in the per capita electricity consumption and from US$4,300 to US$8,950 in the per capita GDP (in market exchange rate and 2005 US$). The consumption of electricity is to grow from 375 TWh in 2005 to 1,030 TWh in 2030. In simple view and without considerations of aspects related with energy efficiency, this growth means 1.8 times the generation capacity of the 20th century should be built along of 25 years of the 21st century. The Brazilian electricity generation will demand all primary sources to meet the foreseen growth of the electricity consumption. As economical, safe and clean primary energy source for electricity generation, the nuclear energy is one option capable of large-scale and short- term deployment in the Brazilian growth of the electricity consumption. The perspective of the Brazilian nuclear energy sector is evolving to be resumed and present an opportunity for pooling and rationalizing the available skills - technical, cultural and human. The role of business opportunities and the future demands in the value chain of nuclear activities are summarized in this document. Institutions of R&D and Brazilian universities play an important role for the formation of new demanded knowledge and human resources.