Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission is developing microreactors to lower diesel reliance for energy in remote areas. The project involves extensive research by IPEN and IEN, focusing on material development and reactor construction. Funded by Finep and involving various Brazilian universities, the initiative emphasizes creating a domestic solution in nuclear technology while validating the feasibility of a microreactor system capable of long-term operation.
Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN) is spearheading an initiative to develop microreactors, aiming to decrease reliance on diesel generators in small cities, hospitals, factories, and remote regions. This endeavor will be carried out through two of its technical units: the Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research (IPEN) in São Paulo and the Institute of Nuclear Engineering (IEN) in Rio de Janeiro.
The project, approved by the Financier of Studies & Projects (Finep), assigns IPEN the task of researching basic materials for microreactors, while IEN will focus on constructing a subcritical unit, a scaled-down version of a nuclear reactor that does not produce a self-sustaining chain reaction.
IPEN’s responsibilities include developing materials for the microreactor’s moderator and control rods, utilizing substances such as beryllium oxide, graphite, and boron carbide. IPEN also aims to ensure domestic production of these materials to maintain supply stability and competitiveness, potentially involving itself in the nuclear fuel development for larger diameter uranium dioxide.
Jesualdo Luiz Rossi, a researcher at IPEN, highlighted the significance of revisiting the study of different moderators, particularly beryllium oxide, an area previously explored in the 1960s and 1970s. IPEN plans to establish a new laboratory to safely handle toxic materials and increase production efficiency.
IEN will continue its long-standing research on the subcritical unit, resumed in 2018, and will assess neutron behavior within the reactor. Francisco Jose de Oliveira Ferreira, head of IEN’s Nuclear Engineering Division, stated that the institute is prepared with studies, equipment, and components necessary for the unit’s assembly.
The project aims to validate the feasibility of a low-power nuclear microreactor system capable of generating around 3 MWe within a 40-foot container, operable for more than a decade without refueling. Despite ongoing international projects in microreactor technology, CNEN emphasizes a unique Brazilian approach focused on developing a nationally conceived solution.
Professor Joao Moreira from UFABC, the project’s technical coordinator, remarked on the originality of their microreactor, citing the collaborative effort drawing upon the expertise of the Navy, IPEN, and IEN. Adolfo Braid, project coordinator, noted that IPEN’s nuclear heritage will enable enhanced contributions as the project progresses.
The initiative will also involve manufacturing critical components for the microreactor, including the core and control rods, while ensuring safety through passive heat transfer systems that utilize innovative engineering.
The current status of the project is at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 3, focused on mathematical modeling and initial studies, with aspirations to reach TRL 6, indicating demonstration in a relevant environment. Four Technology Development Units will be established to facilitate vital testing and system validation. CNEN has acknowledged that coordinating activities among various universities and research institutions will pose project management challenges, necessitating the use of management software for real-time task tracking and planning optimization.
Brazil’s initiative to develop microreactor technology presents a strategic move towards renewable energy, reducing reliance on diesel power especially in remote areas. Through institutions like IPEN and IEN, the project stands to innovate within the nuclear sector, embracing domestic production and expertise. The expected outcomes include a reliable low-power reactor solution, highlighting Brazil’s commitment to developing homegrown technology instead of solely relying on international frameworks. The collaborative approach among various educational and research institutions, combined with practical testing phases, is poised to advance the project from conceptual stages to functional application, fulfilling both energy needs and sustainability goals in the years ahead.
Original Source: www.neimagazine.com
