Russia's state-owned Rosatom, and Brazilian state company Eletrobras and its subsidiary company Eletronuclear signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to promote cooperation in the nuclear power industry, the Russian company said on Monday.
The agreement for the peaceful use of atomic energy aims to construct a new nuclear power plant in Brazil complete with life-cycle support in the operation, maintenance and decommissioning, nuclear fuel management and also the life extension of existing nuclear power plants in Brazil.
Also included in the agreement is the education and training of nuclear power personnel in Brazil and the promotion of public awareness of the country's nuclear power program.
'We are implementing the projects in the framework of nuclear fuel cycle and nuclear medicine,' Kirill Komarov, Rosatom's first deputy general for corporate development and international business was quoted as saying.
'The signing of this MoU marks a new phase in our partnership. Brazil has substantial experience in using nuclear technologies and big plans for the development of its national nuclear sector,' Komarov added.
Brazil has two nuclear reactors generating 3 percent of its electricity, and a third under construction, according to the World Nuclear Association (WNA).
Brazil's first commercial nuclear power reactor began operating in 1982, according to the WNA.
By Huseyin Erdogan
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr