Sanmenxia joins hands with French power giant

French energy supplier EDF is set to heat Lingbao county in Sanmenxia after signing an deal with government worth 800 million yuan ($130 million) on April 26.

Starting in May, the project will cover the downtown area, the industrial park in the east of the city, and Hanguguan township, covering 50 square kilometers. Construction is expected to complete by mid-November.

Jean-Bernard Lévy, chairman and CEO of EDF, and An Wei, mayor of Sanmenxia, as well as other local officials attended a signing ceremony.

"Improved Sino-French relations provide more cooperation opportunities between Sanmenxia and EDF," An Wei said.

"EDF is the first producer of renewable electricity in Europe. The cooperation is a big step for local heating service."

Lévy expressed his confidence for the bilateral cooperation. "Sanmenxia is a city with strong economic momentum. The cooperation is expected to bring mutual benefit to both the city and EDF."