China, Italy sign n-power cooperation pact

, June 12: In a step toward decommissioning

facilities and managing radioactive waste, a Chinese nuclear power firm signed a memorandum of cooperation with an Italian company on Wednesday.

The memorandum reflects the intentions of the China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and Sogin, a state-owned Italian company that specialises in environmental remediation of nuclear sites and radioactive waste, to cooperate on a series of projects, Xinhua reported.

"The memorandum will allow both companies to have profound cooperation, particularly in the decommissioning of nuclear facilities and the management of radioactive waste," a CGN statement said.

The move is in line with the Chinese government's policy to encourage domestic companies in the nuclear power industry to "go outside" and enhance international cooperation.

CGN is one of China's biggest nuclear power companies, with 11 nuclear power units in operation. Another 13 units are under construction.

IANS