The 10 GW Opportunity: How Brazil Is Emerging as the Nuclear Powerhouse of the Global South
As the largest economy in Latin America and a pivotal energy hub in the Global South, Brazil is charting a bold new course toward becoming a nuclear energy leader. With a historically hydro-dependent electricity system now facing increasing demand, regional imbalances, and climate variability, nuclear energy is being reimagined not only as a supplementary option but as a critical pillar of national energy security, economic competitiveness, and climate resilience. The government's National Energy Plan 2050 outlines a target of 8 to 10 GW of nuclear capacity—nearly tenfold Brazil’s current 2 GW—signaling the beginning of a long-term, multi-billion-dollar transformation of its electricity sector.
A Snapshot of Brazil’s Nuclear Landscape
Brazil currently operates two nuclear reactors at the Angra Nuclear Power Plant site:
Angra 1: 609 MWe, operational since 1985
Angra 2: 1,275 MWe, operational since 2001
Together, they contribute around 2% of Brazil’s total electricity generation, producing 14.6 TWh in 2022. By comparison, hydroelectricity accounted for 63% of Brazil’s total electricity output (677 TWh), followed by wind (12%), biofuels (8%), and natural gas (6%).
However, Angra 3—a third reactor initially planned for 1,405 MWe—remains only 62% complete. Its construction, which began in the 1980s and resumed in 2010, was once again halted in 2023 due to regulatory delays and municipal embargoes. Eletronuclear’s commitment to resolving this issue through dialogue underscores Brazil’s determination to bring this $7 billion project to fruition by 2028.. Technical assessments, EPC partner procurement, and debt restructuring are underway, and the project is now a cornerstone of Brazil’s nuclear revitalization.
A Vision for Expansion: Four New Plants
Brazil’s nuclear ambitions, however, extend far beyond Angra 3. The government has outlined an expansive and forward-looking plan to build four additional nuclear power plants. To achieve its strategic goal of 10 GW of nuclear capacity, Brazil plans to construct four new reactors across two regions:
Northeast: Two plants near the São Francisco River, selected for their arid geography and industrial potential (estimated capacity: 6,600 MWe)
Southeast: Two additional reactors near Angra (estimated capacity: 4,000–6,000 MWe)
These sites were shortlisted after detailed siting studies launched in 2009 and revalidated in 2022 by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and Eletrobras Cepel. When combined with Angra 3, these projects will increase Brazil’s nuclear generation capacity fivefold by 2050.
Together, these projects could inject over 10,000 MWe into the grid—an addition of historic scale for the country’s power infrastructure. At a time when Brazil’s electricity consumption sits at approximately 551 TWh annually, with per capita usage near 2,600 kWh and steadily rising, these new builds promise to relieve pressure on existing sources and solidify nuclear as a pillar of Brazil’s energy security.
SMRs: A Game-Changing Frontier
In an equally promising development, Brazil is exploring the integration of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) into its national energy strategy. The establishment of the 'United Parliamentary Front for Nuclear Technology and Activities' in 2023 is a clear political signal. It affirmed that Brazil is not only committed to completing large-scale projects like Angra 3 but is also eager to explore modular, scalable technologies suited for remote or industrial applications.
Brazil is actively exploring SMRs to complement its large-scale projects. SMRs are particularly suited for remote areas where transmission infrastructure is lacking or uneconomical. This model fits well with Brazil’s vast interior, where industrial growth requires decentralized power solutions. This vision is strongly supported by industry leadership.
For SMR developers and investors, Brazil presents a fertile testing ground. With an electricity deficit in certain regions and a need for decentralized, reliable power sources, SMRs could deliver clean, baseload energy to areas underserved by the grid—creating both societal value and commercial success.
Strategic Momentum: Partnerships, Proposals, and Policy Reforms
Brazil is no longer exploring these possibilities in isolation. Over the last decade, the country has attracted attention from a spectrum of global nuclear players. China’s CNNC conducted site visits; Russia’s Rosatom proposed a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model and signed cooperative agreements; South Korea’s KEPCO offered its APR1400 reactor technology; and U.S.-based Westinghouse discussed AP1000 component supply. These international overtures underscore Brazil’s openness to both public-private and cross-border collaboration.
Critically, recent policy reforms are helping to de-risk investment. In 2021, the Brazilian government announced the creation of the National Nuclear Safety Authority (ANSN)—an independent, administratively autonomous body to regulate nuclear safety and radiation protection. This complements the legacy role of CNEN, which continues to guide nuclear development at the strategic level. The dual-framework model enhances regulatory clarity and builds investor confidence in Brazil’s nuclear governance.
Why Investors Should Pay Attention
Brazil’s energy mix is currently dominated by hydroelectricity, but that dominance comes with risks—particularly in a world of increasing climate volatility. Nuclear energy, by contrast, offers dispatchable baseload power without dependence on rainfall or fossil fuels. As Brazil’s population and industrial base expand, so too will the need for energy stability, geographic diversity, and carbon-neutral generation.
Strategic Drivers: Why Nuclear Makes Economic and Climate Sense
Energy Security: Brazil’s heavy reliance on hydropower exposes the grid to climate-related risks such as droughts. Nuclear provides stable, dispatchable power.
Decarbonization Goals: Nuclear offers low-carbon baseload generation, critical for Brazil’s Net Zero commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Industrial Growth: New nuclear builds will support Brazil’s growing industrial base, particularly in energy-intensive sectors such as mining, petrochemicals, and steel.
Job Creation and Local Development: The Angra 3 project alone is projected to create over 10,000 jobs during peak construction.
Brazil’s Spent Fuel and Lifecycle Management
The Spent Fuel Dry Storage Facility (UAS) was operationalized in April 2022
Angra 1 has entered a 20-year license extension, now operating under long-term safety measures including replacement of core components, monitoring systems, and safety retrofits
Brazil continues to align with IAEA safety standards, hosting Pre-SALTO missions and ongoing PSR reviews
These lifecycle investments reflect Brazil’s maturity in managing nuclear facilities from commissioning through decommissioning and spent fuel handling.
The Time to Enter is Now
In conclusion, Brazil is no longer merely a nuclear-capable nation—it is an emerging nuclear powerhouse of the Global South. With more than 10 GW of potential capacity in the pipeline, a diversified project pipeline including SMRs, and a clear regulatory and political framework, Brazil presents one of the most compelling investment and technology deployment opportunities in the global nuclear industry today.
Key Metrics to Watch:
Nuclear generation target: 8–10 GW by 2050
Potential investment in Angra 3: $7 billion
Four new sites identified: 10,000+ MWe capacity
SMR deployment: Political support and industrial demand growing
Annual electricity demand: ~551 TWh, growing at 3% per year
Regulatory maturity: ANSN and CNEN functioning under dual oversight
As the nuclear energy landscape in Brazil evolves, the question for global industry players is no longer "if" but "how soon" and "with whom" to partner. The country’s journey from a hydro-dominant system to a diversified, nuclear-enabled energy architecture is underway—and the door for collaboration is wide open.
