Brazilian nuclear power plant Angra 1 approved for 20-year life extension
Unit 1 of Angra nuclear power plant, which is managed by Brazilian energy company Eletronuclear, has been authorised by the country's National Nuclear Energy Commission to operate to 2044. This will extend its operating time to 60 years.
Angra 1, a 640 MWe Westinghouse pressurized water reactor, reached criticality in 1982 and began commercial operations in 1985. Alongside Angra 2 (1,275 MWe, operational since 2001), the plant is a cornerstone of Brazil’s nuclear energy program. The license renewal process, initiated in 2019, involved thorough technical evaluations, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) missions, and an Integrated Implementation Plan for Safety Improvements.
The license renewal process involved thorough technical evaluations, IAEA missions and an Integrated Implementation Plan for Safety Improvements
The Fukushima Response Plan and the Local Emergency Plan have bolstered the plant's safety measures. Angra 1 has maintained an impressive 88.24% load factor over the past five years, producing 4.78 million MWh in 2023—enough to power a city of two million people. The renewal is hailed as a milestone for Brazil’s regulatory system and energy sector, with a commitment to conduct a Periodic Safety Reassessment in 2033 to ensure continued adherence to international safety standards.
Over the past five years, Angra 1 has maintained enough load factor to power a city of two million people
Source: World Nuclear News
