(Angra 1 and 2 nuclear plants, in Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro) The Brazilian Energetic Policy Council approved recently the construction the country’s third nuclear plant, Angra 3: a project that was paralyzed for over 20 years for lack of funding. According to Spanish BBC, Brazilian president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva had declared in the past his wish to increase the country nuclear capacity in fear of an energetic shortage, and some sectors had urged the government to accelerate the construction of nuclear plants, some of them for the jobs it would bring. Brazilian dependence on hydroelectric generators could cause electricity shortage by the end of this decade if the rains slow down, the media informed. The construction of Angra 3 could cost over 3,500 million dollars, and if finally approved by the president, would be completed in 2013, increasing the energetic capacity in 1,300 megawatts. The plant is supposed to be placed in Angra dos Reis, a city from the south of Rio de Janeiro, where the other two centrals are located. In order to secure the construction of the plant, the project has to be approved by the Brazilian Environment and Natural Resources Institute (IBAMA), which is under the Environment Ministry, and that previously voted against the plan. This was not the only organism to take part against the project.

Via Spanish BBC

Quoted by Mexican newspaper Milenio, the nuclear physician and former Science and Technology Minister Jose Goldenberg, the construction of Angra 3 “will not solve the crisis that will come from three to four years, as the plant will take between five and seven years to be ready”. The scientist also declared the government should invest in renewable energy by building hydroelectric plants.

The news of the possibility to continue with Angra 3 was followed by big announcements about funding and developing of nuclear activities by president Luis Inacio Lula da Silva. In a recent visit to the Experimental Army Aramar Center at Iperó, Da Silva announced the country would invest 500 million dollars in the development of its nuclear plan, which includes the military and civil parts, informed Clarin newspaper. The plan includes the total command of the uranium enrichment cycle and the building of a nuclear submarine.

Argentina, currently facing an energy shortage, has recently announced nuclear measures of its own. Read our coverage here. If you want to know more about green and un-green energy, check our How to Green Your Electricity guide. ::Third Nuclear Central for Brazil (BBC Spanish) ::Brazil resumes building of nuclear plant (Milenio) ::Demonstrations over new nuclear plant in Brazil (Los Tiempos) ::Millionaire investments to drive ambitious nuclear plan in Brazil (Clarin)

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