by Jussara Santos
Defense Minister José Mucio Monteiro was at the Aramar Nuclear Industrial Center (Cina) to see the technological advances in the construction of Brazil’s first Conventionally Armed Nuclear Submarine (SCPN). The initiative, which improves national defense, involves the participation of 700 companies, boosts the defense industry and contributes to the country’s economic and technological development. As well as generating around 60,000 direct and indirect jobs, the results contribute to the evolution of sectors of society such as energy, health and agro-industry. The agenda took place on Wednesday (24) in Iperó, in the interior of São Paulo.
The SCPN is part of the Navy’s Submarine Development Program (Prosub), which is part of the Brazilian Nuclear Program. The development of submarines represents one of Defense’s largest strategic investments in science and technology, and involves the participation of around 20 universities and research institutes.
“This belongs to the next generations. It’s a contribution of knowledge. We have an extraordinary technical staff. I want to congratulate everyone involved here for their enthusiasm, for the sense of responsibility you have, that you are serving the country,” said José Mucio.
During the visit, the minister followed procedures at the Isotopic Enrichment Laboratory (LEI) and the Nuclear Power Generation Laboratory (Labgene). LEI is where uranium enrichment technology is developed to produce the fuel used in nuclear submarines.
Labgene is a full-scale prototype on land of the propulsion systems that will be installed in the future vessel. It makes it possible to safely simulate the operation of the reactor and the various electrical, mechanical and control systems before they are used on the submarine.
The small reactor under construction at Labgene has the potential to be used for the benefit of Brazilian society. The technology can provide energy and desalinated water (the process of removing salt) to regions with low levels of storage and water resources. It can also be used in the production of radiopharmaceuticals and in food irradiation, to eliminate pests and microorganisms and increase the shelf life of products.
The program also contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the nuclear field and prepares professionals to face the challenges of the area. In addition to technology transfer, Prosub provides opportunities for the nationalization of systems and equipment. Brazilian industry will be able to benefit as a relevant player in several other sectors besides Defense, thanks to the skills acquired in the development of the program.
In addition to the minister, the visit was attended by the MB Commander, Fleet Admiral Marcos Sampaio Olsen; and the Navy’s Director General for Nuclear and Technological Development, Fleet Admiral Alexandre Rabello de Faria, among other authorities.
Prosub – The Navy’s Submarine Development Program, Prosub, includes four conventional units (with diesel-electric propulsion), the S-BR, and one Conventionally Armed Submarine with Nuclear Propulsion (SCPN). So far, three submarines have been launched: the Riachuelo (S-40), the Humaitá (S-41) and the Tonelero (S-42). The fourth submarine in the S-BR series is under construction.
Photo: Érico Alves *** Translated by DEFCONPress FYI Team ***