Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Hitachi have announced an agreement to co-operate in the field of basic subordinate nuclear technologies for both BWRs and PWRs.
The two companies will focus their collaboration on maintenance services for Hitachi's BWR units and Mitsubishi's PWR units, as well as the development of new reactor technologies. The agreement will boost technology exchange between the two companies to identify possible areas for mutual sub-contracting in the field of engineering for piping and auxiliary components, production and construction.
Nuclear steam supply systems are excluded from the agreement, as are the BWR and PWR components that are covered by Hitachi's existing partnership with GE and Mitsubishi's partnership with Westinghouse.
A joint statement emphasises that the agreement does not imply any move to integrate the two companies' businesses, form a joint venture or license any technology.
