Ever since Brazil’s National Energy Policy Council in June 2007 endorsed plans for Angra 3, the country’s third nuclear plant, the project has seemed a forgone conclusion. Officials view the 1,400-megawatt, R$7.2 billion (US$4.5 billion) reactor as a means of avoiding future energy shortages. They also feel Angra 3 will help maintain some diversity in a power grid dominated by hydroelectricity. If the plant starts up as planned in 2014, nuclear power will continue to account for 2% of the energy Brazil produces as new hydropower comes on line. (See “Brazil to build third nuclear-power station”—EcoAméricas, July ’07). Given the official support, it came as no surprise last month when Angra 3 cleared its last big bureaucratic hurdle by receiving... [Log in to read more]