Areva Signs Series Of Agreements With China

1 Jul (NucNet): Areva has signed agreements in China including a memorandum of understanding that defines a schedule for commercial negotiations about a Chinese project for a used fuel processing and recycling facility, Areva said. The MoU confirms the willingness of both groups to finalise the negotiations in the shortest possible timeframe. Areva also signed an agreement with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) that covers the entire fuel cycle and includes a further agreement on reactors with both CNNC and France’s nuclear operator EDF. The fuel cycle agreement with CNNC “enlarges and deepens existing areas of cooperation”. It covers the extraction and conversion of uranium, fabrication of zirconium fuel assemblies, deconstruction and dismantling, transportation and recycling. Areva, EDF and CNNC signed an agreement to study the possibility of closer cooperation in medium- and high-power reactors, particularly in the area of industrial procurement. The agreement allows for greater cooperation in R&D. A letter of intent, signed by Areva, China General Nuclear Power Group and EDF, establishes a long-term partnership in medium- and high-power reactors, and takes into account experience from the construction of the Taishan-1 and -2 EPRs in Guangdong province, southern China.