IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi, began a three-day trip to Brazil with a lecture the Rio Branco Institute in Brasilia, on the positive impact of nuclear technology for peace and development, and the importance of active diplomacy. “In times of global crises, nuclear technology remains a force for good, addressing challenges like climate change and hunger,” he said.
Addressing the Chamber of Deputies (lower house) Grossi noted the importance of Brazil to the nuclear debate. “As we face the challenge of climate change, the key role of nuclear energy is set to grow and Brazil is uniquely situated to take full advantage of this. The IAEA is ready to help,” he said. “A global energy debate without Brazil makes no sense. A global nuclear debate without Brazil makes no sense.”
Brazil currently has two operating power reactors at the Angra NPP and a third under construction. Its national energy plan considers adding another 10 GWe of nuclear in the next 30 years and the possibility of including small modular reactors in the energy mix after 2030.
In talks with Minister of Mines & Energy Alexandre Silveira, Grossi discussed Brazil’s advances in nuclear energy generation and research. “The IAEA encourages the continuous development of the fuel cycle in Brazil, given its potential to become a key actor in the nuclear sector production chain. These developments are crucial for strategic growth and energy security in the country,” he noted.
He also addressed the Brazilian Nuclear Program Development Committee, chaired by Head of Institutional Security Cabinet Minister Amaro and had a meeting with Defence Minister José Mucio Monteiro.
After arriving in Rio de Janeiro, Grossi visited the Nuclear Medicine Service at António Pedro University Hospital, where he was able to view firsthand the impact of his Rays of Hope initiative to deliver better access to cancer care in low- and middle-income countries. Doctors explained how the IAEA’s support, providing advanced equipment and training, has greatly improved early cancer detection and treatment quality.
Grossi also met with Admiral Marcos Olsen for discussions that included Brazil’s plans to develop naval nuclear propulsion. “The IAEA and Brazil are committed to working together for highest non-proliferation standards as Brazil advances naval nuclear propulsion plans,” he said.
During a visit to the headquarters of the Brazilian-Argentine Agency for Accounting & Control of Nuclear Materials (ABACC) he noted ABACC’s key role in regional stability and said its importance will only grow as Brazil embarks on naval nuclear propulsion. “I am looking forward to continuing the strong cooperation between the IAEA, ABACC, Brazil and Argentina.” he affirmed.
The IAEA is also supporting the Brazilian Navy to increase medical services for remote communities in the Amazon River delta. Two mammography machines have been installed on the ships Soares de Meirelles and Carlos Chagas’, allowing these communities to have access to breast cancer diagnostic services for the first time in history. The positive impacts of nuclear applications were also covered at an event co-hosted by the Nuclear & Energy Research Institute (IPEN), particularly achievements in combating cancer and hunger.
Following a meeting with Minister of Science, Technology & Innovation Luciana Santos, Grossi signed an agreement to use nuclear science in Antarctica to study harmful algal blooms, microplastics, ocean acidification and more. He also established the IAEA’s first Collaborating Centre on Nuclear Security in Latin America – the Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares (IPEN-CNEN). The centre will work closely with IAEA on computer security, radiation detection and physical protection and help other countries in the region build capacity for robust nuclear security regimes.
