Indústrias Nucleares do Brasil (INB) signed four contracts and two agreements covering various aspects of nuclear fuel supplies with Westinghouse, The Institute of Energy and Nuclear Research and Rosatom.

NT2E runs for three days in Rio de Janeiro (Image: INB)

The signings took place at the Nuclear Trade and Technology Exchange business and technology fair (NT2E), promoted by the Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities.

The three contracts signed with US firm Westinghouse cover the supply of metallic components and gadolinium rods for Angra 1 reloads and to develop a project for the "protective grid" component of the fuel element, as well as INB supplying specialised staff to move fuel in the USA.

The agreements with the institute are for a partnership in research and development of studies and technologies relating to the production of the fuel element.

The contract signed with Rosatom subsidiary Tenex is for the acquisition of natural uranium hexafluoride (UF6). It follows a tender won last year for the supply of 330 metric tonnes of UF6 to Brazil.

Rosatom Deputy Director General Kirill Komarov said: "Last year, we won an international tender and signed a contract to provide uranium enrichment services. Another contract on naturally-occurring uranium supplies was signed today in Rio de Janeiro. We continue to develop cooperation with INB."

NT2E, which ends on Friday, is described as the largest business and technology event fin Brazil for the national and international nuclear sector.