Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom's fuel company TVEL signed an agreement with CNLY, a part of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), for uranium-based fuel supplies for a pilot fast-neutron reactor in China, according to Rosatom on Thursday.
The fuel contract was signed as a part of an agreement between the two countries on the joint construction and operation of the CFR-600 fast-neutron reactor under construction in China's southeast province of Fujian, the company said.
The contract covers the initial loading of nuclear fuel, as well as supplies for refueling during the first seven years of the reactor's operation. Construction of the reactor began in December 2017 and commissioning is expected in 2023.
The World Nuclear Association said that China sees fast-neutron reactors as key technology for the future, and CNNC expects they will become mainstream by the mid-century.
The Russian company is committed to 'all-encompassing cooperation with the Chinese partners' in the field of fast-neutron reactors and the closing of nuclear fuel cycle,' said Natalia Nikipelova, the president of TVEL.
'Our Chinese portfolio also includes the contract for supply of uranium-based fuel for the China Experimental Fast Reactor CEFR, with fuel deliveries already taking place,' she added.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr