Floating NPP for co-generation of electricity and water desalination in Brazil

Climate change, population growth, urbanization, agriculture demand, water pollution and inefficient water management practices exacerbate the problem of water scarce particularly in the semi-arid Northeast. Additionally, long-term planning and investment are essential to mitigate future water scarcity challenges as the demand for water continues to rise with population growth and economic development. Desalination in Brazil is typically done through conventional methods, such as reverse osmosis, but not through nuclear source. While Brazil has a robust nuclear energy program, primarily for electricity generation, the country does not use nuclear reactors for desalination purposes. The objective of the present analysis of the inclusion of a project of a floating nuclear power plant (FNPP) in Brazil to co-generation of electricity and potable water by means of seawater desalination in residences and industries located in remote regions. This paper reviews recents works in the area of SMR and desalinization in Brazil. In addition, calls on investors, researchers, engineers, regulators, designers, stakeholders and decision-markets to open the debate about the the possibility of developing a national FNPP in the future.