Chinese media confirmed Tuesday the Asian country had signed a framework agreement with Sudan to build the African nation's first nuclear reactor.

The official Chinese news agency Xinhua reported the deal had been signed during a three-day visit to Sudan by China's top energy official, Nur Bekri.

The report did not specify what kind of reactor would be built in Sudan, but Reuters speculated it might be a Hualong 1 as currently promoted by China on overseas markets.

Both sides to profit

Bloomberg said the reactor would be built by China National Nuclear Corp. (CNNC). With its current power capacity of little over 3,000 megawatts, nuclear energy is set to help Sudan meet its growing demand.

CNNC is also planning to build reactors in Argentina and Pakistan, while China General Nuclear Power Corp. (CGN) is focusing on its own project in Kenya.

China aims to become a globally dominant player in the nuclear sector, using its ambitious domestic reactor program to develop the necessary experience and expertise.

hg/jd (Reuters, Xinhua)