Brazil defends nuclear reactors as a solution to stabilize energy system and attract data centers

The Minister of Mines and Energy, Alexandre Silveira, reaffirmed this Monday the importance of implementing small nuclear reactors (SMRs) for the future of Brazil's energy matrix.

According to the minister, the technology will help ensure the stability of the national electrical system and attract investments in data centers and artificial intelligence. According to the minister, the Brazilian government intends to take advantage of Russia 's expertise in the nuclear sector to advance the installation of small nuclear reactors.

“The world and Brazil, especially due to investments in wind and solar energy , which are intermittent sources, need to ensure the stabilization of the electrical system. We will do this with thermal plants, especially those powered by uranium. Brazil has an abundance of uranium, and it is essential that we invest in this entire production chain,” said Silveira, who was part of an official mission to Russia alongside President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

During the conversation with journalists, Silveira highlighted the importance of completing Angra 3 with safe resource management. For the minister, nuclear power will be decisive in reinforcing the reliability of the national electrical system and creating an environment conducive to the installation of new data centers in the country.

The minister also highlighted that small nuclear reactors can help reduce the cost of oil-fired thermal plants and transmission infrastructure.

In previous statements, Silveira had already defended the advancement of nuclear energy as a strategic alternative for Brazil, especially in supporting the growing demand for data centers. In November of last year, he reinforced the need to complete Angra 3 and expand the nuclear source to serve this sector.

Silveira also said that Brazil and Tenex, a subsidiary of the Russian state-owned company Rosatom, are in negotiations to sign a memorandum of understanding to study joint exploration of uranium and lithium. The minister said that the Russian government should begin a process of cooperation with Brazil in the mineral area, aiming to identify opportunities and potential in the country.

In addition to the visit to Russia, Alexandre Silveira is also part of the official mission to China, led by President Lula, with agreements already signed for the development of renewable energy and low-carbon technologies.

Silveira highlighted that conversations with the Chinese government also involve possible partnerships in the nuclear sector, aiming at the exchange of technologies.