New power generation

Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Nucleoelectrica Argentina to define the contracts and project delivery model for a new CANDU power plant.

The agreement covers a new Argentina-based 740 megawatt CANDU 6TM power plant that includes a potential second unit, based on the twin CANDU 6 units in Qinshan, China.

While Nucleoelectrica will be the project manager of the new station, AECL will provide the technical assistance and equipment during construction.

Nucleoelectrica will submit the results of the negotiations to Argentina’s government for final review and approval by the end of April 2008.

Argentina’s nuclear power program is based on heavy water reactors, such as the Embalse, an AECL CANDU 6 power reactor that was connected to the grid in 1983.