Westinghouse Electric Co. said yesterday Brazil’s plans to expand its nuclear power program demonstrate the country’s commitment to providing a clean, reliable energy source to spur economic growth.
Brazil’s Minister of Mines and Energy Eduardo Brago told the country’s National Congress in April that the country will continue to invest in nuclear energy and is evaluating a number of sites for four new units by 2030.
Westinghouse and its majority owner, Toshiba Corp., have long supported Brazil’s energy infrastructure, starting with construction of the Angra 1 nuclear power plant. Westinghouse worked closely with Eletronuclear on the Angra 1 and 2 units, and with Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil on engineering, fuel components and related materials.
“The construction of new units will add needed base load generation to the Brazil’s energy mix, building on the strength of its current operating plants,” Westinghouse Americas President Mark Marano said.
The company also supports Brazil’s Science Mobility Program, which is aimed at developing the country’s next generation of nuclear professionals. Brazilian students completed internships with Westinghouse in 2014, and the company continues to support the program in 2015.
