Turkey Seeks Clean Coal Cooperation

UNCLAS ANKARA 000042 SIPDIS USDOE FOR WASHINGTON AND EKIMOFF USDOC FOR 4212/ITA/MAC/CPD/CRUSNAK SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG BEXP SENV TU SUBJECT: Turkey Seeks Clean Coal Cooperation REF: 06 ANKARA 6390 THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. ¶1. (SBU) Summary and Action Request: In an introductory meeting with THE state-owned Turkish Coal Enterprises (TKI),Director Selahaddin Anac expressed hope for activity under the bilateral Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in the Field of Coal and Power Systems. He voiced strong interest in launching some sort of cooperation in advance of the expiration of the agreement on March 20, 2007, and/or extending the agreement by mutual agreement as provided for in the agreement. Reftel asked for status of DOE proposed workshops under the two bilateral agreements in place. Post would appreciate Washington's guidance. End Summary and Action Request. ¶2. (SBU) In June 2006, the GOT formally asked the USG the status of the two bilateral workshops proposed early in 2006 by USDOE (Ref A cable transmission of its diplomatic note). The two proposed workshops were: 1) Environmental Technologies and Clean Coal Technology, and 2) Energy Efficient and Earthquake Resistant Housing. The GOT Energy Ministry and related agencies expressed a particular interest in the first workshop that was proposed by USDOE Fossil Energy. The two workshops would represent activity under the above coal agreement and a sister agreement: Implementing Arrangement for Cooperation in Energy Technology, also expiring March 20, 2007. ¶3. (SBU) The Coal Agreement envisions exchange of information and visits on clean coal technology, environmental control technologies, advanced power systems and combustion technologies, environmental monitoring technologies, and distributed power applications of fuel cells, among other areas and activities. The TKI team said their company was active in the IEA Coal Industry Advisory Board and relevant UN and EU organizations. While much of their research and work was focused on and financed by the EU, they placed great importance on learning from U.S. research and experiences. ¶4. (SBU) We asked whether TKI would be interested in participating in a videoconference with U.S. and Turkish experts on clean coal technology. While giving the idea merit, they expressed misgivings about a videoconference as an effective forum especially given translation requirements. They preferred pursuing exchange visits or workshops that would bring experts physically together. ¶5. (SBU) Speaking good English, TKI Director Anac said he studied in the UK. He showed a copy of the 2002 agreement signed by former Energy Secretary Abraham. His team spoke limited English, but they shared enthusiasm for establishing meaningful cooperation with the U.S. MCELDOWNEY