French utility EDF and China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) have signed an agreement to share their experience of plant operation and engineering support for existing nuclear fleets.
The aim of the agreement is to preserve the highest safety levels and maintain consistency between French and Chinese procedures and standards, EDF said.
EDF has also signed a separate agreement with Chinese electric utility, Huadian, for future cooperation on cycle gas-turbine power plant, hydro power plant operation and renewable energy projects in China and internationally.
The agreements were signed during an official visit to China by French prime minister Manuel Valls.
"These agreements with our long-term Chinese partners will deepen our existing cooperation, and lay the foundations for new joint projects," said EDF Chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy, adding that the agreements would benefit "the entire French nuclear sector."
During the visit to China, Levy will also meet CGN and China National Nuclear Corporation leaders to "discuss potential involvement in the development of new nuclear power plant projects in China." The meeting will pave the way for cooperation between EDF, AREVA and their Chinese partners in the development of step-by-step evolutions of medium-size reactors.
EDF has been involved in the Chinese nuclear sector for more than 30 years.
