A broad array of critics has taken aim at Brazil’s atomic energy program on economic and safety grounds as the country brings its second nuclear power plant on line and finalizes plans for a third. In February, the government will inaugurate Angra II, a 1,245-megawatt reactor built alongside Angra I, a 14-year-old, 600-megawatt plant on the coast of southern Rio de Janeiro state. Meanwhile, the finishing touches are being put on blueprints for Angra III, another 1,245-megawatt reactor slated to rise next to Angra II. Angra III would account for 1.95% of Brazil’s 65,000 megawatts of installed capacity. Collectively, the three plants would make up 5% of installed capacity. (Over 90% of the country’s power comes from hydroelectric plants. See... [Log in to read more]