China, France prepare to sign $2.3b nuclear deal

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon is in Beijing today, facilitating the inking of US$2.33 billion in nuclear energy deals between French firms and China, state media reported. Electricite de France and Areva are to sign contracts to build to nuclear power plants with Guangdong Nuclear Power Holdings to build two plants in Taishan, Guangdong province. At the same time, CFM International, a joint venture between General Electric and Safran, is expected to sign a contract to provide its LEAP-X turbofan engine to China’s new C919 jet, expected to begin deliveries in 2016. Fillon may also be trying to set the stage for a possible state visit from French President Nicolas Sarkozy prior to the Shanghai World Expo 2010.