Brazil’s National Nuclear Energy Commission (CNEN – Comissào National de Energia Nuclear) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas (CNOS, part of China National Nuclear Corporation, consolidating a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening nuclear environmental protection and radioactive waste management in Brazil.
The document commits the institutions to cooperate broadly and continuously in the areas of treatment, transportation and disposal of tailings, radiological protection and personnel training. The initiative also enables sharing of experiences, joint technological development and strengthening of nuclear safety practices aligned with international standards.
CNEN President Francisco Rondinelli Junior said that bringing Brazil closer to one of the largest companies in the world nuclear sector, “created opportunities for technological innovation, raising technical standards and expanding national expertise in nuclear safety and environmental protection”.
CNEN Director of Research & Development Wilson Aparecido Parejo Calvo highlighted the expectation that new studies, projects and work programmes will be structured to contribute to the continuous advancement of the sector and to the construction of increasingly safe and sustainable solutions for the management of radioactive waste, especially the development of the Nuclear and Environmental Technology Centre (Centena – Centro Tecnológico Nuclear e Ambiental).
The two sides expressed interest in exchanging knowledge, conducting training, organising technical missions and promoting educational activities. The MOU will allow Brazil to access consolidated practices used by China in modern facilities for the treatment and final deposition of radioactive waste.
The agreement also provides for wider exchanges, including emerging areas of common interest. The institutions have made themselves available to dialogue and cooperate on issues such as the treatment and deposition of NORM (naturally occurring radioactive materials) tailings, which is increasingly relevant for sectors such as mining, oil and gas.
In this first partnership instrument signed by CNEN with CNOS, there is no transfer of financial resources, assets or compensation between the parties. All cooperation will be guided by the expansion of technical capabilities and the construction of innovative solutions that can meet the current demands in radioactive waste management of both countries.
Last month, CNEN signed a separate MOU with CNNC subsidiary China Isotope & Radiation Corporation “to ensure the continuous and stable supply of radioisotopes used in areas vital to scientific and social development”.
