Three firms in running for N-plant deal

China is considering tenders from three foreign companies for the contract to build four third-generation nuclear power plants. Yu Jianfeng, director of the Nuclear Power Department of China National Nuclear Corp (CNNC), said the contract would go to US-based Westinghouse Electric, Areva of France or Russia's AtomStroyExport. The tender documents from all three were in the final stages of the approval process, state media quoted him as saying. The tender process is the first time nuclear power projects in China have been open to foreign bidders. Each plant is thought to have a budget of US$1.5-US$2.0 billion. A key component of the contract, Yu said, is that the winning bidder help promote the country's domestic nuclear power industry through co-operation.