BRAZIL: REDUCED NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Document Type: 
Collection: 
Document Number (FOIA) /ESDN (CREST): 
06826644
Release Decision: 
RIPPUB
Original Classification: 
U
Document Page Count: 
3
Document Creation Date: 
March 9, 2023
Document Release Date: 
September 18, 2020
Sequence Number: 
Case Number: 
F-2017-01987
Publication Date: 
September 8, 1980
File: 
Body: 
Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644 Director of Central Intelligence National Intelligence Daily Monday 8 September 1980 SeL CO NID 80-211.IX TCS 2911180 8 September 1980 '14 (b)(3) (b)(3) (b)(6) Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644 Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644 Contents Brazil: Reduced Nuclear Program 3 Irr&t------ TCS 2911/80 8 September 1980 Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644 Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644 OD BRAZIL: Reduced Nuclear Program Brasilia may cut back its ambitious nuclear power program., which depends mainly on planned deliveries from West Germany, because of rising costs. Brasilia is considering plans put forth by the coun- try's leading nuclear physicist to install only the first three West German reactors by 1995 and to delay work on the remaining units. Brazil would limit its acquisition of nuclear fuel production technology to uranium concen- tration, enrichment, and fuel fabrication. The original agreement signed in 1975--which the West Germans could refuse to honor if Brazil cut back its program--stipulated West German delivery of eight reactors and a complete production cycle including reprocessing capability, by 1990. Brazil is finding it virtually impossible to pay for all that the agreement covers. Power facilities to pro- duce 10,000 megawatts, as provided in the original pro- gram, would cost over $30 billion, more than quadruple the cost calculated in 1975. Development of Brazil's extensive, though remote, hydropower rpqnnrc-ps iq now more attractive than nuclear energy. Opposition to the nuclear program in Brazil's media and scientific community remains strong. Construction delays, major cost overruns, inadequate West German training of Brazilian nuclear technicians, and the slow pace of technolo transfer have contributed to public dissatisfaction. -CIA, DIA, NSA- 3 -Tap-Sesget__ TCS 2911/80 8 September 1980 Approved for Release: 2020/09/11 C06826644