SN Nuclearelectrica (SNN) and Nucleoelectrica Argentina Sociedad Anonima (NASA) signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding on Thursday for cooperation in the operation and development of CANDU 6 technology, the Romanian company announced.

The two companies have relevant technical expertise and experience in engineering, operation, maintenance, major project management, lifetime extension, nuclear safety analyses and the operation of nuclear reactors using CANDU 6 technology.

'Nucleoelectrica Argentina Sociedad Anonima has completed the refurbishment of the Embalse nuclear power plant, which operates CANDU technology, while Nuclearelectrica is currently in the second stage of the refurbishment of Unit 1 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant and in the second stage of implementation of the Project for Units 3 and 4,' the press release reads.

According to the Romanian company, cooperation between the two operators and the exchange of experience represent an advantage in carrying out the Refurbishment Project for Unit 1 at the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant.

The parties will therefore explore opportunities for cooperation in areas including technical aspects related to CANDU 6 technology, reactor lifetime extension, refurbishment and modernisation processes, materials engineering, electrical, mechanical and civil engineering, control processes and instrumentation, nuclear safety analyses, fluid dynamics and reactor physics.

Cooperation could also cover support for the construction of new units and the exchange of experience regarding commissioning.

'Cooperation in key technical areas between two CANDU nuclear operators means an effective bilateral contribution dedicated to the continuous improvement and development of operations, based on practices and lessons learned, refurbishment processes, project implementation and the commissioning of new capacity. In practice, it represents a peer review with concrete bilateral benefits in the medium and long term. Both companies have extensive experience in operating CANDU 6 technology and both are committed to strengthening the nuclear industry locally and globally, having made a significant contribution over the years. I value this partnership and I am confident that the technical teams of the two companies will achieve notable results,' said Director of Development and Shareholding Management Mihai Gioara is quoted in the press release as saying.

The two companies will establish a Steering Committee responsible for advancing activities aimed at identifying opportunities and further developing cooperation.

According to the quoted source, developing nuclear expertise bases has long-term effects, given the contribution of nuclear energy to energy security, supply chains and economic development. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: George Banciulea; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)