Plans for a new nuclear plant in Argentina incorporate a Hualong One reactor from China, World Nuclear News reports. The presidents of Argentina and China recently signed a cooperation agreement to jointly construct the plant.

The agreement provides for Nucleoeléctrica Argentina SA (NASA) to be the project architect-engineer, and marks the first potential overseas order for a Hualong One reactor.

The Hualong One design has not been deployed yet, but in November 2014 China National Nuclear Co. (CNNC) said that the fifth and sixth units at Fuqing site Fujian province will use the design, marking the first domestic use.

Through technology transfer from Chinese to Argentinian companies, including the manufacture of components and fuel fabrication, local content will be used in the new unit. The agreement also guarantees the supply of enriched uranium and fuel assemblies throughout the plant's life.

The parties are also to consider "establishing a joint strategic partnership for the purpose of developing and building nuclear reactors in Latin America."

The agreement calls for a framework contract between CNNC and NASA to be signed by the end of 2015. Plans call for a commercial contract to be signed and a financing agreement to be reached before the end of 2016.

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