FCC

Rosatom Showcases Sustainable Solutions in Brazil

2025-05-29

Rosatom, Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation, recently participated in the NT2E-2025 Forum in Rio de Janeiro, presenting its diverse solutions for the region's sustainable development. The forum, Latin America's largest nuclear industry event, drew over 2,700 attendees from government, business, and scientific communities, highlighting the expanding cooperation between Russia and Brazil in energy and climate matters.

Key Solutions for Brazil

Rosatom's corporate stand at the forum showcased a range of solutions tailored for Brazil. These included small modular reactors (SMRs), designed to bolster energy system resilience and provide power to remote regions. The company also presented its advanced approaches to managing used nuclear fuel, a topic of particular relevance for Brazil's Angra nuclear power plant, as well as innovations in nuclear medicine, a key discussion point at the event.

Ivan Dybov, Director of Rosatom America Latina, addressed the Forum's opening plenary session, emphasising the enduring and expanding cooperation between Russia and Brazil in the nuclear sector. "For Rosatom, developing relations with Brazilian partners in the peaceful use of nuclear energy is among our strategic priorities," Dybov stated. "Our partnership began over 30 years ago. Today, Rosatom supplies 100 per cent of the enriched uranium needs of the Angra nuclear power plant, which generates electricity for São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and also provides the Brazilian market with medical isotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment." He further highlighted the importance of nuclear projects in tackling climate challenges and promoting regional development, expressing Rosatom's readiness to expand cooperation by offering both SMRs and large-capacity power units to strengthen Brazil's national energy system, backed by 80 years of Russian nuclear industry reliability.

Nurturing Future Nuclear Talent

At the session "Engaging the New Generation: The Future of the Nuclear Sector," Elena Vesna, Vice-Rector of MEPhI (National Research Nuclear University), underscored the crucial role of international cooperation and academic exchange in training highly qualified professionals for the future of the nuclear sector. MEPhI, a leading global university in nuclear energy, trains specialists for Rosatom's international projects. In a move to strengthen cooperation with Brazil, an updated agreement with IPEN (Brazil’s Institute for Energy and Nuclear Research) was signed in 2024, with a joint "1+1" Master’s programme in nuclear engineering slated for launch in 2025. Currently, 48 Latin American students from ten different countries are studying at MEPhI.

The Promise of SMR Technology

During the "Global SMR Projects" discussion, Ruan Souza of Rosatom America Latina highlighted the significant potential of SMR technology in Brazil. "Small modular reactors are not a concept of the future, but a practical solution for energy access, decarbonisation, and the development of remote areas," Souza explained. "SMRs provide clean energy at predictable prices, are easily scalable, and are suitable for isolated regions – not only in the Arctic, but also in Brazil’s rainforest – without harming the climate and with the potential for integration with data centres and local industry.” He also positioned SMRs as a highly promising tool for replacing coal-based generation, particularly given Brazil's ongoing reliance on hydropower and its susceptibility to droughts.

Sustainable Fuel Cycle and Waste Management

In the session "Uranium Mining Market in Brazil and Globally," Alexander Boytsov (TENEX, part of Rosatom) emphasised the importance of international cooperation and the competitive advantages of Russia’s expertise in uranium logistics and processing. Rosatom's approach centres on closing the nuclear fuel cycle, viewing used nuclear fuel not as waste but as a valuable resource. As a sustainable, safe, and economically viable solution for used nuclear fuel (UNF) management, Rosatom offers partners a comprehensive product called the Balanced Nuclear Fuel Cycle (Balanced NFC).

Mikhail Baryshnikov, Director of the Department for Innovation and Technology at TENEX, elaborated: “The Balanced NFC allows for the generation of stable and clean electricity with minimal waste, ensuring its safe and reliable isolation. Our comprehensive solution is based on innovative technologies and enables the return of up to 97 per cent of the components of used nuclear fuel to the fuel cycle, making the use of natural resources truly responsible.”

Gonçalo Castillo, Business Development Manager at Rosatom America Latina, discussed Rosatom’s approach to environmental protection at the session “Used Nuclear Fuel and Waste Management Scenarios.” “Rosatom has unique expertise in radioactive waste management and the remediation of radiation-affected territories," Castillo noted. "We are ready to offer Brazil not only technologies, but a step-by-step methodology for implementing such projects – from regulatory frameworks to commissioning. We transform post-industrial areas into safe platforms for new eco-friendly initiatives.”

Financing Nuclear Projects

On the sidelines of the Forum, a session of the BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform was held, an independent international initiative promoting nuclear energy as a tool for energy transition, technological sovereignty, and sustainable development. The session, titled "Financing Tools for Nuclear Projects: Development Prospects," included representatives from financial institutions, state bodies, and companies from BRICS and partner countries.

Stanislav Shpakovsky, a Rosatom representative, stressed that "Nuclear energy must be fully integrated into the global sustainable development financing agenda as a reliable, carbon-free energy source. It is a tool that can simultaneously deliver sustainable growth, energy security, and progress toward climate goals.”

Rosatom's participation in the NT2E-2025 Forum underscores its commitment to promoting sustainable, safe, and economically efficient nuclear technologies, fostering partnerships with both established industry leaders and new market entrants.