French energy provider EdF and state-run Chinese producer China Guangdong Nuclear Power Corp have signed a deal creating a joint venture to build two nuclear reactors in the booming Asian nation, EdF says.
The newly created Guangdong Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company Limited, or TNPC, will construct next-generation power stations in the city of Taishan, in China's Guangdong province, the statement said on Sunday.
French President Nicolas Sarkozy hailed the agreement, which he said "demonstrates the quality of the Franco-Chinese partnership in the civilian nuclear sector".
The deal "consolidates France's status as China's primary partner in the sector," a presidential statement said.
EdF is to hold thirty per cent of TNCP for 50 years, the energy provider said in its statement.
The deal is part of a strategy to be a leader in nuclear energy worldwide, as an investor and an operator, EdF Chairman Pierre Gadonneix said.
The plants are to be modelled on an existing French facility, in the north-western city of Flamanville.
Work on one of the Taishan sites began in late 2007, the statement said.
France's state-owned nuclear giant Areva SA is to provide nuclear equipment for the plants under a multibillion dollar (euro) contract finalised in November last year.
Another French company, Alstom SA, is to provide the turbine equipment, the statement said.
