Nuclear energy in Brazil: regulation, corruption, and prospects for energy generation

Abstract This article provides an overview of the historical development of the Brazilian nuclear regulatory environment and its implications for corruption in the nuclear energy sector. It explores Brazil's transition of nuclear energy policies from a military-centric approach to civilian perspectives following the country’s re-democratization in the 1980s. The article highlights the importance of nuclear energy diversification for stabilization and low-carbon energy generation in Brazil. It discusses the challenges and vulnerabilities of the Brazilian nuclear industry, focusing on the corruption scandal of 2015, revealing improper payments, mismanagement, bribery, and money laundering in constructing the Angra 3 nuclear power plant. The study proposes improvements in the corporate governance of the Brazilian sector to minimize potential corruption cases in future contracts. It analyses the conflict of interest among regulatory institutions, industry agents, and the corporate environment. This article also compares the Brazilian nuclear regulatory framework with international regulations and discusses strategies for combating corruption in nuclear power generation. The concluding remarks emphasize the need for institutional reforms to safeguard and develop the Brazilian nuclear industry.