Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) has signed four contracts and two agreements during the opening of the Nuclear Trade & Technology Exchange (NT2E). The biennial nuclear sector business and technology fair, promoted by the Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities (ABDAN) is the biggest nuclear event in Latin America. It attracted many leading companies such as as Framatome, Rosatom, Westinghouse, Holtec, ENBPar, Eletronuclear, Amazul, Andrade Gutierrez, Nuclep, BNDES and Sebrae.

INB signed three contracts with Westinghouse. Under one, Westinghouse will hire INB to supply specialised labour for handling fuel in the USA. Under the other two, INB contracted Westinghouse for the supply of metallic components and gadolinium rods for Angra 1 reloads and for development of a project for the component “protective grade” for fuel elements.

INB also signed two agreements with Brazil’s Institute for Energy & Nuclear Research (IPEN) for a research partnership, and development of studies and technologies related to the production of fuel elements.

A contract was also signed with Rosatom/Tenex, for the supply of natural UF6 (uranium hexafluoride). It follows a tender won last year for the supply of 330 tonnes of UF6 to Brazil. Rosatom Deputy Director General Kirill Komarov said: "We continue to develop cooperation with the Brazilian company INB on the supply of uranium products. Last year, we won an international tender and signed a contract for the supply of uranium enrichment services. Another contract for the supply of natural uranium was signed in Rio de Janeiro today. "

During the opening of the event, ABDAN President Celso Cunha, stated that Brazil has an important mission: to convince the government that the country can become one of the world's biggest players in the nuclear sector. Brazil has the sixth largest uranium reserve in the world, already produces nuclear fuel and has the capacity to expand this production, he said.

Cunha pointed out that under its 10-year energy plan, Brazil envisages the construction of a new 1,000 MWe NPP in addition to the completion of unit 3 at the Angra NPP. He added that nuclear technology also plays a fundamental role in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases, especially in the fight against cancer. highlighted the relevance of this technology for public health and the advancement of medicine in Brazil.

Kirill Komarov pointed out the role of state support for nuclear projects: “There are several world leaders in the construction of nuclear power plants including China, India, Russia and some countries of the Arab world. The governments of all these countries provide considerable support to nuclear projects while also directly participating in their implementation. Nuclear energy development is certainly impossible without government support.”

Image: INB has signed multiple contracts and agreements at NT2E, Latin America's largest nuclear event (courtesy of INB)