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Electricite de France : EDF reaffirms the role of new nuclear development in its commitment to support the world energy transition towards net zero

1 December 2021 • by Market Screener

EDF announces the signature of several industrial cooperation agreements during the World Nuclear Exhibition.

^{EDF announces the signature of several industrial cooperation agreements involving Czech, Polish, Indian, Saudi and French partners, in the context of the fourth edition of the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) that is taking place in Paris. The Group is actively engaged in the promotion of its unique nuclear reactor technology portfolio, services and know-how, highlighting its capabilities throughout the whole nuclear lifecycle from engineering, construction, operations and maintenance, training and skills development to decommissioning and waste management activities.}

In line with the theme of this 2021 edition of the WNE: "The nuclear industry, a key partner for a low carbon society in a responsible future", EDF strongly advocates the needs of nuclear energy as one of the key solutions to tackle climate change and secure carbon neutrality in the coming decades. The Group also reiterates its ambition to support nuclear energy development in France and abroad through long-term cross-country partnerships for mutual benefits and socio-economic value creation.

On this occasion, several industrial cooperation agreements are signed in the presence of EDF Chairman and CEO Jean-Bernard Lévy, with the aim to secure the involvement of local supply chains and industries for the successful delivery of future EPR-technology-based projects in Europe and worldwide.

Czech-French cooperation: testimony of EDF's commitment to strengthen its industrial ties with Czech companies active in the nuclear field for the delivery of its potential contemplated project at Dukovany, cooperation agreements were signed with BAEST, I&C Energo, Hutnímontáže, MICo, MSA, REKO Praha, SIGMA, Š koda JS, ÚJV Řež, and ZAT, notably in presence of CPIA (the Czech Power Industry Alliance). This marks an important step on the path towards the successful delivery of a European project supported by a qualified Czech and European supply chain.

Polish-French cooperation: as part of EDF's strategy to deliver 4 to 6 units for the Polish Nuclear Power Programme according to EDF's non-binding preliminary offer submitted in October 2021, EDF has entered into cooperation agreements with leading Polish companies: Dominion Polska, Egis Poland, Energomontaż-Północ Gdynia, Rafako, and Zarmen. Leveraging the competences and already existing experience of Polish suppliers in the energy industry, EDF is committed to maximizing the contribution of the Polish supply chain for the success of EPR-based nuclear projects in Poland and in Europe.

Indo-French cooperation: in the perspective of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Plant project in Maharashtra, India, and as EDF is supporting the Make in India initiative of the Indian government through numerous partnerships with local suppliers, EDF has been developing a sound localisation strategy through the set-up of several partnerships with local suppliers. As part of this initiative, EDF and Larsen & Toubro (L&T), one of the leading Indian conglomerates, decided to further extend their cooperation agreement in place since 2017. This agreement aims to maximize the local content of the project through qualification of L&T's industrial manufacturing capabilities and assessment of the Indian nuclear supply chain.

Enhanced cooperation with Bouygues Travaux Publics: EDF and Bouygues Travaux Publics entered into a Framework Agreement for their global cooperation on future EPR-technologybased projects such as in the Czech Republic, Poland, or Saudi Arabia. This signature was successfully completed by the conclusion of a Memorandum of Understanding between Bouygues Travaux Publics and the Saudi construction company NESMA & Partners Contracting Co. Ltd, to jointly participate in the execution of Civil works of a potential project in Saudi Arabia. These agreements demonstrate both groups' shared ambition to enhance their long-standing cooperation on the export market, with Bouygues Travaux Publics confirming its commitment as a historic partner of EDF's new nuclear EPR projects.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, EDF Chairman and CEO said: "The signatures of these industrial cooperation agreements clearly demonstrate the growing interest of many countries in nuclear energy and our ambition to secure robust partnerships with local supply chains for EPR projects worldwide. As a matter of example, the significant involvement of the British supply chain for the Hinkley Point C EPR project is a tangible result of our long-term strategy with the local industry. We envision the same approach in any country where we promote our technologies and I look forward to seeing these cooperations materializing for the successful delivery of future EPR projects in Europe and worldwide."

Source : Market Screener