pylon
© Mike Hutchings / Reuters
Russian and French power companies are considering joint nuclear projects in third-party countries, says Russia's Rosatom.The talks will take place during the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum this week.

"During the 'nuclear dialogue' the sides are expected to present the joint projects on cooperation in third countries in such areas as engineering and the manufacture of nuclear power plant equipment, development of renewable energy resources and energy efficiency, the digital transformation of the energy sector and nuclear fuel cycle," Rosatom said.

Rosatom will talk to French companies Electricite de France (EDF), Schneider Electric, Assystem and others. Russia and France have a long history of partnership in nuclear energy. The country became the first foreign client of Rosatom in 1971, when the sides signed a contract for the supply of uranium enrichment services from Russia.

Rosatom subsidiary Rosenergoatom and EDF have been cooperating since 1994 in operations, modernization, the prolongation of the life of nuclear power plants, management of radioactive waste and research and development.

Russia's St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, one of the world's key economic discussion platforms, will officially open on May 24. This year, about 40 world leaders including French President Emmanuel Marcon will attend the forum. SPIEF 2018 will also welcome leading investment funds from 20 countries with total assets of more than $13.5 trillion.