Chinese state-owned company China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation (CNEIC) is in discussion in Ukraine to build a nuclear fuel factory. This manufacture will supply VVER reactors.
The main partner and owner of 50% stake in the plant is TVEL, a subsidiary of Rosatom. But in case of successful trilateral arrangements between China, Ukraine and Russia, CNEIC will start financing the construction of the plant and buy out TVEL stake. In return, TVEL will grant an international license to China for the design of VVER fuel. This license may be limited to the Chinese and Ukrainian markets.
TVEL will remain the owner of the fuel design and be responsible for further improvements or modifications, as well as the supply of key components to produce fuel assemblies.
