[CIIE] France's Framatome Lands Orders From Chinese Nuclear Energy Firms at CIIE

Framatome, a French nuclear steam supply systems manufacturer, has secured multiple orders from Chinese business peers including China National Nuclear Corporation and China General Nuclear Power Group at the eighth China International Import Expo.

The agreements Framatome penned with Chinese firms cover fuel, control system components, and technical services, Jean-Marc Capdevila, president of the Paris-based company's China arm, told Yicai at the CIIE, which ends today in Shanghai, without disclosing the deals' worth.

Framatome, which has participated in all eight CIIEs, is a subsidiary of Électricité de France, the world's largest nuclear power operator. It provides services for over 90 percent of nuclear reactors worldwide and has more than 400 employees in China.

Framatome previously built Unit 1 and Unit 2 for CGN's Taishan Nuclear Power Plant. The two began commercial operations in 2018 and 2019, respectively, making them among the first nuclear reactor units in China constructed based on the European Pressurized Water Reactor design.

Framatome also has a close partnership with China in nuclear fusion technology, which is the future of nuclear energy, Capdevila noted, adding that the partnership includes the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor. In addition, the firm has a dedicated cooperation mechanism for the country's nuclear fusion program, he said.

China has become the world's largest nuclear power market and will likely have more than 100 units in operation by 2030, so Framatome will continue to cooperate with its Chinese peers based on historical ties and long-term partnership, Capdevila pointed out.