Brazil contemplates independent nuclear agency

The Associated Press
Published: September 2, 2008

SAO PAULO, Brazil: Brazil is studying the creation of an independent nuclear watchdog agency as it expands uranium enrichment, builds more reactors and develops a nuclear-propelled submarine.
Renato Hoffmann, a spokesman for the presidential chief of staff, said on Tuesday the new agency is under consideration by the Nuclear Program Development Committee. He would not provide further details.
Creating the new agency would help bring Brazil's expanding nuclear program in line with international standards for safety and security inspections, said Francisco Rondinelli, president of the Brazilian Nuclear Energy Association — an independent think tank of nuclear scientists and technicians.
Safety and security are currently handled by the National Nuclear Energy Commission, the government's regulatory body in charge of the country's entire nuclear energy sector.
"Independent watchdog agencies are the norm," Rondinelli said. "Only an independent agency can ensure efficient safety and security mechanisms."

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva last year announced US$540 million in new funding to expand the country's nuclear energy program.
Brazil recently decided to complete construction of its long-delayed third nuclear plant, Angra 3, and to build four new nuclear plants starting in 2013.
Brazil currently has two operating nuclear plants, Angra 1 and Angra 2, with an installed capacity of about 2,000 megawatts. The plants are near the coastal city of Angra dos Reis, 110 miles west of Rio de Janeiro.