Nuclear energy becomes BRICS bet to the global south

Partnership signed between Brazil and Chinese state provides technological innovation and billionaire investment in clean energy projects and sustainable mining

During preparations for the 16th BRICS summit, which takes place in Rio de Janeiro, a theme has gained strength among young representatives of member countries: nuclear energy. For them, this source can be a viable and sustainable exit in the global energy transition, especially for developing countries.

Alexander Kormishin, president of the BRICS Youth Energy Agency, told Brazil agency That many young people are positioning themselves in favor of nuclear energy because they consider it clean, technologically advanced and able to ensure access to accessible energy, and generates lasting benefits for next generations. “Many young people have been inclined to nuclear generation because it is clean, technologically advanced and ensuring access to clean and accessible energy and generating lasting benefits for next generations,” he said.

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Kormishin stressed that BRICS countries are already investing in this direction, with increasing funding for nuclear projects. He also pointed out that the issue will be one of the highlights at COP30, the Climate Conference that will take place in November 2025 in Belém (PA). According to him, the youth of the bloc wants to bring to the event debates on a fair and inclusive energy transition, centered on the realities of the global south.

Themed axes defined in Brasilia

Even before the Rio de Janeiro summit, during the 7th BRICS Energy Youth Summit, held in June in Brasilia, the main thematic axes were drawn that should guide the future debates. These include the use of small modular reactors, given the “growing access and global interest in nuclear technologies”. Other important topics include low -carbon technological solutions, sustainable fuels and the development of technical and educational skills related to the energy sector.

“I believe it will be an excellent opportunity to learn more and expand the vision of a fair and inclusive energy transition from the global south,” said Kormishin.

An energy transition from a new perspective

For the Brics youth, the energy transition should not only follow the molds proposed by developed countries. The concern goes beyond simply replacing polluting sources – it involves deep social impacts, especially in communities dependent on jobs linked to traditional energy matrix.

“This energy transition profoundly impacts families and the future of young people, as many are in the phase of academic background, being funded by their families,” said Kormishin. According to him, the BRICS youth vision on energy security is different from that adopted by the G7, where the European crisis in gas supply and the reflexes of the war in Ukraine shaped part of the debate.

In the BRICS countries, the focus is on access to investments, opportunities for young entrepreneurs and ways to ensure that the energy transition occurs with accessible and adaptable sources to various regional realities.

Social impacts and vulnerabilities

The change in the energy matrix brings with it relevant social challenges. With the gradual removal of the traditional generation of energy from energy systems, some groups are more exposed, such as public policy and activist formulators. Kormishin pointed out that, given the differences between member countries, the discussion on energy security within BRICS is made in an inclusive and participatory way.

“We have developed a very inclusive, research -based structure, with reports and perspectives produced by young people themselves. This offers them the chance to reflect, within the Brics context, about the future, what should be prioritized together – including discussing divergences,” he said.

The created space allows young people of different cultures and realities to share ideas, adapt them or transfer them to different contexts. “It is a dynamic and exciting process that we are now developing under the Brazilian presidency,” he concluded.

While energy debates take strength on the BRICS agenda, the Brazilian government has taken an important step towards strengthening international energy cooperation. During a parallel meeting to the bloc events, the Ministry of Mines and Energy signed a letter of intent on Saturday (5) with Chinese state company CGN Energy, one of the world’s leading nuclear experts.

The document was signed by Minister Alexandre Silveira and provides technical cooperation in energy transition, sustainability and peaceful and responsible use of nuclear mineral resources in Brazil. The Chinese group already has expected investments of R $ 3 billion in renewable energy projects in the country.

“We want to advance in partnerships with China to further expand the generation of clean and renewable energy in Brazil, strengthening our role of protagonist in the global energy transition, as well as developing the mineral chain in our country,” said the minister.

How will the agreement work

The agreement creates an institutional platform for cooperation in research, development and innovation in sustainable energy technologies. Among the objectives are:

• Strengthen technical and institutional abilities in energy generation, storage and digitization;
• Promote joint actions in research, development and innovation (PD&I);
• Modernize the national mineral chain, with emphasis on research, development, innovation and industrialization;
• Develop technical cooperation with universities, research centers and public or private institutions specialized in mineral processing, material science and sustainable resource management.

The focus is to align these actions with Brazil’s international commitments on energy transition and sustainability.

Meet CGN

China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) is China’s largest nuclear energy company and the third largest in the world, with an installed capacity exceeding 77 gigawatts. In Brazil, it operates since 2019 through the subsidiary CGN Brazil Energy (CGNBE), developing, implementing and operating electricity generation projects from renewable sources.

Currently, the company has seven wind complexes and three solar complexes spread throughout Bahia, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, Rio do Sul and Ceará. Together, these enterprises add more than 1.4 GW of installed capacity, contributing significantly to the Brazilian energy matrix.

With this new agreement, Brazil gives clear signs that it seeks to expand its presence in the global scenario of clean and renewable energy, betting on international cooperation and the potential of its strategic natural resources.

An energetic future built by youth

Faced with so many challenges, the voice of the youth of the BRICS has been increasingly influential. By defending nuclear energy as part of the solution to an equitable energy transition, young people in the bloc help shape a narrative that goes beyond economic and technological boundaries – touches social, environmental and intergenerational justice issues.

And while Brazil assumes protagonism in this debate, with initiatives such as partnership with CGN, it is clear that the way for a new energy era is being taken by multiple hands – and looks forward, with responsibility and ambition.

With information from Agência Brasil and Exam*