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The Angra 1 nuclear power plant has commenced a 90-day scheduled shutdown for maintenance and life extension, reinforcing the safety and reliability of Brazil’s energy infrastructure.
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The Angra 1 Nuclear Power Plant, a fundamental component of Brazil’s energy mix, began last Saturday, September 19, a period of scheduled maintenance that will last approximately 90 days. This extensive work is crucial to ensure the safe operation and continuous efficiency of the nuclear power plant, one of the country’s pillars for clean and low-carbon energy.
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The activities go beyond routine maintenance, including detailed inspections and strategic design modifications. The main focus is the Long Term Operation (LTO) program, which aims to extend Angra 1‘s operational life, ensuring its contribution to national energy security for a longer period.
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Preparations and Scope of the Shutdown
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The months leading up to the shutdown were dedicated to a complex preparation phase. Eletronuclear, responsible for the plant, coordinated the receipt of nuclear fuel, specialized equipment, and materials, as well as the assembly of temporary structures. The mobilization of various technical and operational teams was intensive, reflecting the complexity of the operation.
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The schedule was meticulously planned, considering the interdependence among different tasks. Each stage was synchronized to optimize time and resource allocation, from material availability to the completion of previous phases.
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Reactor Core: Fuel Replacement and Inspections
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One of the most critical interventions is the replacement of the reactor’s 44 fuel assemblies. The new elements have already been delivered and stored in the New Fuel Pool (PCN). With the reactor defueling, the used elements will be transferred to the Used Fuel Pool (PCU), making way for the loading of new ones for the next operational cycle.
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The removal of the fuel also enables meticulous inspections inside the reactor. Visual examinations and automated ultrasound will be performed on the vessel’s lower internal structures. The schedule also includes an essential modification, the Upflow Conversion, which will adjust the coolant flow in a specific area of the reactor vessel’s internal components.
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Ensuring Longevity and Safety
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The scheduled shutdown includes the ten-year In-Service Inspection (ISI), an important milestone for the nuclear power plant. This assessment covers vital components such as the reactor vessel welds, primary circuit piping, and internal structures, ensuring the integrity of the entire system.
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Additionally, the Integrated Leakage Rate Test (ILRT) will be performed, a rigorous procedure to verify the sealing of the reactor containment structure. This is a fundamental measure for the operational safety of the plant.
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“Rigorous maintenance and technological upgrades are the essence of the safe operation and life extension of our nuclear power plants. Every day of this shutdown is a direct investment in energy security and the sustainability of Brazil.”
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Modernization and Safety Reinforcement
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In addition to inspections and maintenance, 12 design modifications are scheduled, eight of which are in systems classified as safety-related. Among the main interventions are the replacement of the containment recirculation system motors and the exchange of motorized valve actuators.
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Also noteworthy is the implementation of a filtered containment ventilation system and the replacement of components linked to the Environmental Qualification Program for Electrical and Instrumentation Components (PQAEE). These actions aim to modernize the plant and improve its safety standards and environmental performance.
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The extensive scheduled shutdown of Angra 1 by Eletronuclear demonstrates Brazil’s commitment to the safety and longevity of its energy infrastructure. By investing in the maintenance and life extension of Angra 1, the country reinforces the reliability of a clean, baseload energy source, essential for sustainable development and long-term national energy security.
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