ASME Establishes a Partnerships With the China State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2010 – The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has entered an agreement with the China State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation (SNPTC) that aims to facilitate communication between the organizations in the area of nuclear codes and standards.

ASME and SNPTC today signed a memorandum of understanding in Vancouver, British Columbia, in which the organizations pledged mutual support of health, safety and environmental protection in the development of commercial nuclear power in China.

The agreement provides the framework for ASME and SNPTC to engage in ongoing information exchange and pursue technical alignment of nuclear codes and standards programs within the respective organizations. The agreement calls for ASME to incorporate the expertise of SNPTC in the promulgation and development of ASME’s nuclear-based codes and standards; in turn, SNPTC endeavors to place delegates on ASME standards-setting committees and working groups.

ASME Executive Director Thomas G. Loughlin, CAE, signed the memorandum of understanding during proceedings of the Society’s Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Week event. “ASME and the China State Nuclear Power Technology Corporation have been working together since SNPTC was founded in 2004, and the agreement signed today builds on the relationship between two technical groups that share an advocacy for safe and reliable nuclear power,” said Loughlin.

With the SNPTC partnership, ASME currently has six memorandums of understanding with corporations and institutes in China. Last month, ASME established formal agreements with China-based PetroChina Pipeline Company, the Petroleum Storage & Transportation Committee of the Chinese Petroleum Society, and the China Machinery Industry Federation (CMIF). ASME maintains a limited liability company named ASME Asia Pacific, LLC, based in Beijing, which enables the Society to further its global outreach in codes and standards, certification, conformity assessment, continuing education, training and other programs.

About ASME ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world.

About SNPTC The China SNPTC is a state-owned corporation serving as a platform for third-generation nuclear power technology introduction, development, and construction. SNPTC was established with investments from the State Council and China National Nuclear Corporation, China Power Investment Corporation, China Guangdong Nuclear Power Holding Company Ltd., and China National Technical Imp & Exp Corporation.

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