US and Brazil may partner to build small nuclear reactors
Brazil and the United States could jointly build small nuclear reactors, Brazil's energy minister said Friday, adding that the South American country is also willing to allow foreigners to mine uranium.
Minister Bento Albuquerque said that Brazil is preparing a bill that will clear the way for private and foreign investment in the exploration and production of uranium in the country. According to him, the final version of the bill must be agreed with Congress.
Albuquerque is in Washington on the eve of President Jer Bolsonaro's first official visit to the United States since he took office on January 1.
The right-wing Bolsonaro's trip is expected to bring economic, political and military ties between the two countries closer together.
Albuquerque said that once nuclear projects such as the Angra 3 plant and other small nuclear reactors are open to private foreign investment, they will be able to attract the attention of American investors.
Construction of Angra 3 was stopped in 2015.
Both presidents are expected to sign a declaration that will include provision for the creation of a bilateral forum to discuss investment opportunities in the energy industries, including uranium, oil and gas, Albuquerque said.
The Forum will hold its first meeting in April, he said.