Comparative analysis of the feasibility of small nuclear reactors and fossil fuel thermoelectric plants in the national scenario

The competitiveness of nuclear technology, through small reactors, as a viable generation alternative, within the national scenario, compared with fossil fuel thermoelectric plants within the national electrical system is studied. To simulate the scenarios, the MESSAGE software developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was used as a tool, where economic and environmental parameters of each analyzed technology were used. The results obtained show that the use of modular reactors is a viable alternative for the country if it has favorable financing conditions with low interest rates (6%). Such implementation would bring more reliability to the electrical system and make the country less dependent on fossil fuels, also improving the use of the Brazilian uranium reserve, which is currently the sixth largest in the world