Brazil's TCU sets deadline for Angra 3 nuclear plant decision

The Brazilian Federal Court of Accounts (TCU) has unanimously mandated that the federal government decide within 240 days whether to resume or abandon construction of the Angra 3 nuclear power plant. The project, located in Angra dos Reis, has been stalled since 2015.

The decision follows a two-stage timeline: the Ministry of Mines and Energy has 120 days to provide updated technical studies, after which the National Council for Energy Policy (CNPE) will have an additional 120 days to reach a final conclusion.

The TCU highlighted significant financial losses caused by the ongoing indecision. Maintaining the stalled site costs approximately R$ 1 billion annually, with estimated losses for Eletronuclear reaching R$ 2.5 billion between 2024 and mid-2026. Eletronuclear reported a net loss of R$ 142 million in 2025 and an adjusted net debt exceeding R$ 7.25 billion.

The uncertainty also impacts the nuclear supply chain, including Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB), which recorded a R$ 156 million loss in 2025. These financial pressures have affected the holding company ENBPar, whose net profit dropped from R$ 414 million in 2023 to R$ 186 million in 2025. Completing the project is estimated to require an additional R$ 23.9 billion.