Transmission and Distribution: Areva to form joint-venture with UC RUSAL

Areva''s transmission and distribution division has signed an agreement to form an equal joint venture with the Russia''s United Company RUSAL (UC RUSAL), the world''s largest producer of aluminum.

The joint venture will become the preferred supplier for turnkey projects, electrical equipment and services in the transmission and distribution field for UC RUSAL''s plants and is expected to generate $500 million in orders over the next five years.

Through this partnership, UC RUSAL will secure key competencies to support its fast growing production capacity. For AREVA, partnering with UC RUSAL will enable the company to strengthen its position on the booming electrointensive industries market, and to further develop its activities in Russia.

AREVA has longstanding experience and expertise in developing high direct current electricity supply systems for aluminum production sites around theworld. In 2006, it designed and installed such a customized electrical system for UC RUSAL''s Sayanogorsk site in Siberia.

Philippe Guillemot, Chairman and CEO of AREVA''s Transmission and Distribution division, said: "This new partnership is in line with our strategy to reinforce our presence on the industries market. It also illustrates our strong commitment to support UC RUSAL''s development strategy by ensuring its
secure access to key competencies in the electrical field."

Global leader in nuclear power Areva has manufacturing facilitiesin 41 countries and offers CO2-free power generation and electricity transmission and distribution. It is the only company to cover all industrial activities in this field.