Brazil might become a leading player in uranium and data centers, says specialist

“Brazil has everything it needs to become a major producer and exporter of uranium and a strategic player in the data center segment, associated with nuclear power generation.” This is the assessment of Vittorio Perona, partner at BTG Pactual, presented during the event “The Role of Nuclear Energy in the Decarbonization of the Brazilian Energy Matrix,” promoted by Coppe/UFRJ. The debate brought together industry experts and stakeholders to discuss the role of nuclear energy in energy security, global decarbonization goals, and Brazil’s integration into high-value-added production chains.

During the meeting, Perona provided a detailed market overview, highlighting strategic opportunities for Brazil, both in uranium production and in the expansion of clean energy-powered data center infrastructure.

For COPPE director, Professor Suzana Kahn, “each choice made, among the many possible paths to decarbonization, entails a series of consequences, both pros and cons. What we aim to do, and this is the role of academia, is to understand the consequences of our choices as a country.”

Below are some of the main points highlighted by Vittorio Perona, in a question-and-answer format:

Interview

Q: What is the current scenario for uranium production in Brazil?
A: “The last geological survey focused on identifying uranium reserves in Brazil was conducted 40 years ago. Specialists told me that if it were conducted today, with current technology, Brazil would be the second or third country with the largest  proven uranium reserves. In terms of production, we are 15th. We produce 100 tons per year, not even enough for Angra I and II. Paradoxically, we have large reserves and still need to import a significant portion of our demand.”

Q: And the outlook for global uranium demand?

A: “Demand is expected to increase by 40,000 to 50,000 tons between 2024 and 2040. Therefore, there is a huge market to be served in the next 15 years.”

Q: Does Brazil have the conditions to stand out in this market?
A: “Very few countries have their own uranium reserves, enrichment technology, experience in operating nuclear power plants and a large domestic electricity market to support new plants. Brazil has all of these. It would be a waste not to seize this opportunity, which could generate value, both in nuclear energy and in data centers.”

Q: What is Brazil’s potential in data centers?
A: “The country could be a major data processor. The size of data centers worldwide is growing rapidly—in the US and China, there are facilities measuring hundreds of megawatts or even one gigawatt. These countries will need partners for nearshoring or friendshoring, that is, transferring stages of the value chain to nearby countries or countries with political affinity. Brazil has natural advantages: clean energy, political stability, a consolidated democracy, no seismic or terrorism risks and abundant water resources.”