Overview
Almirante Álvaro Alberto - Unidade I (Angra I) is a 640 MW nuclear power plant in Brazil. It is the country's first nuclear facility, located near Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.
Almirante Álvaro Alberto - Unidade I, commonly known as Angra I, is a nuclear power plant located in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. With a capacity of 640 MW, it is the first nuclear power plant in Brazil and a key component of the country's energy mix. The plant is operated by Eletronuclear and has been in commercial operation since 1985. The plant uses a pressurized water reactor (PWR) design, a common technology for nuclear power generation. It operates under the regulatory oversight of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) and the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA). The facility's capacity places it in the medium-to-large scale for nuclear plants globally. Angra I plays a significant role in providing baseload power to the Brazilian grid, contributing to energy security and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Its location on the coast provides access to cooling water from the Atlantic Ocean. The plant's operation is subject to stringent safety and environmental regulations, ensuring minimal impact on the surrounding region.
Environmental context
As a nuclear power plant, Angra I produces no direct CO2, SOx, or NOx emissions during operation, making it a low-carbon energy source. However, it generates radioactive waste that requires long-term management. The plant is situated in a coastal area with a tropical climate, and its cooling system uses seawater. The facility is subject to environmental licensing and monitoring by IBAMA to ensure compliance with radiation protection standards and to protect local ecosystems.
Frequently asked questions
Almirante Álvaro Alberto - Unidade I, also known as Angra I, is located in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the Atlantic coast.
Angra I has a capacity of 640 MW, making it a medium-to-large scale nuclear power plant.
Angra I uses a pressurized water reactor (PWR), a common design for nuclear power plants worldwide.
Nuclear power in Brazil is regulated by the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) for safety and the Brazilian Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) for environmental licensing.
Angra I provides baseload power to the Brazilian grid, helping to diversify the energy mix and reduce reliance on fossil fuels and hydroelectric power.