On the implementation of activities for the life management of nuclear power plants in Brazil

Brazil joined the IAEA IWG-LMNPP in 1993, in view of a potential interest in the LMNPP subject. In this report, aspects of nuclear activities, as well as activities related to LMNPP, are reviewed. The nuclear energy scenario is presented with emphasis on the nuclear share of the total electrical energy supply and on the nuclear sector organization. Angra Nuclear Power Plant units are presented and some construction and/or operational features are discussed. Concerning the activities on LMNPP, the contribution of different nuclear sector organizations is briefly considered. Some aspects are stressed with regard to an integrated approach of LMNPP and the country's available manpower and technical infrastructure capabilities in the nuclear field. The technical assistance of the IAEA in the area of plant life management if focused. From the experience of this first phase (1993-97) representing Brazil in the IWG-LMNPP, special aspects are emphasized aiming, on the basis of their consideration, at improving the efficiency of this process. The implementation of a Brazilian network, the BRWG-LMNPP, is underway, formulating plans for the future. (author)