Brazil
Did you know?
Brazil finances a few projects worldwide with export credits from the National Social and Economic Development Bank (BNDES), a federal public company associated with the Ministry of Development, Industry and Foreign Trade. Its finance projects include the Son La Dam in Vietnam and the Three Gorges Dam in China. Export credit within Brazil is currently an important issue because the question of increasing domestic reliance on nuclear power depends on whether export credit agencies finance the Angra 3 nuclear power plant.
"Say no to Angra 3."
-Greenpeace shirt at
protest in Ibirapuera Park, São Paulo, 2005. |
Photo Credit: midiaindependenta.org
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Important Background Documents:
Decision looming on Angra-3 reactor in Brazil March 7, 2003 by WISE/NIRS
BNDES Projects Summary:
The National Social Economic Development Bank (BNDES) plays a role in the financing of several dams around the world. Hydro-electric power makes up about 90% of the energy produced in Brazil and BNDES finances the construction of many hydro-electric projects. BNDES also finances dams outside of Brazil, the most infamous being the Three Gorges Dam in China. The Three Gorges Dam is the most controversial dam of its time, causing massive environmental changes and the displacement of over a million people. On a smaller scale, the Son La Dam is causing the displacement of at least 91,000 people and is also located in an earthquake-prone zone.
Read the ECA Watch Three Gorges Dam Project Summary
Son La Dam Info by the World Rainforest Movement
Angra 3 Nuclear Power Plant Project Summary:
In 1975, the governments of Germany and Brazil signed the “Nuclear Accord” which stated that Germany would build eight nuclear power plants, a uranium enrichment plant and a conversion plant in Brazil. The only plant to be completed under this treaty was Angra-2 (Angra-1 already having been built by a US company), the construction of which took 17 years and cost 3 times what it was supposed to. Construction of Angra-3 was terminated midway through. During the energy crisis of 2001, the Brazilian government decided it should not rely so heavily on hydroelectric power and considered returning to work on Angra-3. A German and a French energy company bought the rights to the project from the Brazilian energy company Electronuclear to form Framatome. Because Angra-2 and 3 have contributed to Brazil’s national debt, continuation of Angra-3 will not be possible without the financial support of an export credit agency. Because a German and a French company are involved in the resurrection of Angra-3, it is likely that export credit support will come from either Hermes or COFACE.
Greenpeace Brasil não é nuclear Page (Portuguese)
News 2004-2005:
 Brazilian Oil Firm Inks Deal with JBIC May 27, 2005
US ExIm Backs Brazilian Oil Platform May 26, 2005
Brazil Challenges the OECD Arrangement on Officially Supported Export Credits April 26, 2005
Brazilian NGOs write Letter to BNDES Urging Bank to Act in More Sustainable Manner March 2004
News 2002-2003:
RUSSIA MAY BECOME INVOLVED IN BRAZILIAN NUCLEAR PROGRAM - EXPORT CREDITS FOR ANGRA 3 COMPLETION AND ANGRA 1, 2 MODERNIZATION PROMISED March 13, 2002 Moscow
For more information, contact the ECA Watch Facilitator.
ECA Watch Campaign Member Links:
Pastoral Lands Commission (CPT) Adilson Vieira
UNAIS - Brazil
Nicole Freris
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