Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BAKU1196
2008-12-24 06:25:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Baku
Cable title:
AZERBAIJAN: CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW
how-toVZCZCXRO4267 PP RUEHLN RUEHSK RUEHVK RUEHYG DE RUEHKB #1196 3590625 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 240625Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY BAKU TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0552 INFO RUCNCIS/CIS COLLECTIVE RUEHMZ/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 3184 RHEBAAA/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHDC RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RHMFISS/CDR USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
UNCLAS BAKU 001196
SIPDIS
COMMERCE FOR SARAH LOPP
STATE FOR MARC HUMPHREY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW
REF: SECSTATE 127423 BAKU 1091
UNCLAS BAKU 001196
SIPDIS
COMMERCE FOR SARAH LOPP
STATE FOR MARC HUMPHREY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW
REF: SECSTATE 127423 BAKU 1091
1. SUMMARY: In response to Ref. A tasking, this report
summarizes the structure plans and potential players in
Azerbaijan's nascent civil nuclear energy sector. End
Summary.
OVERVIEW OF CIVIL NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM
--------------
2. As noted in Azerbaijan's 2004 report to the UN Resolution
1540 Committee, Azerbaijan does not possess any nuclear
reactors, nuclear fuel cycle facilities, or mine nuclear
materials on its territory. Azerbaijan does, however, plan
to construct a very small reactor or "critical assembly" for
conducting nuclear research. Such a reactor would not
produce nuclear power or weapons useable nuclear material.
Azerbaijan is just now beginning to consider pursuing nuclear
power, as Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin
Heydarov informed U.S. Special Envoy Frank Mermoud in their
November 13 meeting (Ref B). The Minister emphasized that
although the GOAJ has plenty of oil and gas to serve its
current needs, it is considering the move to nuclear power in
the next "20 to 30 years."
3. President Aliyev signed a decree in April 2008, giving
authority to the Ministry of Emergency Situations to create a
national nuclear regulatory agency but no real progress
toward this goal has been achieved to date. It is unclear
how well developed GOAJ plans and legal framework are for
pursuing nuclear capabilities. At this time Embassy does not
believe that Azerbaijan has a significant number of citizens
with sufficient technical knowledge to build and operate its
own civil nuclear power production reactor and supporting
facilities.
4. According to a DOE/INECP 2008 report, Azerbaijan is not a
significant manufacturer of nuclear, missile, or dual-use
materials and does not possess industrial capabilities which
could turn it into a supplier of these commodities. However,
Azerbaijan is actively pursuing investments to revitalize its
industrial base including the production of metals.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. INDUSTRY
--------------
5. Currently the only known cooperation on the provision of
U.S.-made nuclear technologies being negotiated is the supply
of small radioactive sources from Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory to test radiation detection equipment being
provided by U.S. DOE at border checkpoints. According to the
local media, the GOAJ has plans to build a critical assembly
(very small-scale reactor) to create small sources for use in
medical treatment and oil exploration. This may present an
opportunity for U.S. nuclear technology and expertise.
FOREIGN COMPETITORS
--------------
6. Considering the nascent nature of the civil nuclear
energy sector in Azerbaijan, it is unlikely there are many
other players at this stage. However, it is reasonable to
assume that the Russians and/or Iranians would be willing to
provide technology and expertise for pay or political gain.
POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS
--------------
7. The GOAJ is extremely cautious about making political
waves with either its northern or southern neighbor. Russia
is a powerful source of remittances for the Azerbaijani
economy as well as a major worldwide supplier of nuclear
technology, and northern Iran is home to nearly 20 million
ethnic Azeris.
LU
SIPDIS
COMMERCE FOR SARAH LOPP
STATE FOR MARC HUMPHREY
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO AJ
SUBJECT: AZERBAIJAN: CIVIL NUCLEAR ENERGY SECTOR OVERVIEW
REF: SECSTATE 127423 BAKU 1091
1. SUMMARY: In response to Ref. A tasking, this report
summarizes the structure plans and potential players in
Azerbaijan's nascent civil nuclear energy sector. End
Summary.
OVERVIEW OF CIVIL NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM
--------------
2. As noted in Azerbaijan's 2004 report to the UN Resolution
1540 Committee, Azerbaijan does not possess any nuclear
reactors, nuclear fuel cycle facilities, or mine nuclear
materials on its territory. Azerbaijan does, however, plan
to construct a very small reactor or "critical assembly" for
conducting nuclear research. Such a reactor would not
produce nuclear power or weapons useable nuclear material.
Azerbaijan is just now beginning to consider pursuing nuclear
power, as Minister of Emergency Situations Kamaladdin
Heydarov informed U.S. Special Envoy Frank Mermoud in their
November 13 meeting (Ref B). The Minister emphasized that
although the GOAJ has plenty of oil and gas to serve its
current needs, it is considering the move to nuclear power in
the next "20 to 30 years."
3. President Aliyev signed a decree in April 2008, giving
authority to the Ministry of Emergency Situations to create a
national nuclear regulatory agency but no real progress
toward this goal has been achieved to date. It is unclear
how well developed GOAJ plans and legal framework are for
pursuing nuclear capabilities. At this time Embassy does not
believe that Azerbaijan has a significant number of citizens
with sufficient technical knowledge to build and operate its
own civil nuclear power production reactor and supporting
facilities.
4. According to a DOE/INECP 2008 report, Azerbaijan is not a
significant manufacturer of nuclear, missile, or dual-use
materials and does not possess industrial capabilities which
could turn it into a supplier of these commodities. However,
Azerbaijan is actively pursuing investments to revitalize its
industrial base including the production of metals.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. INDUSTRY
--------------
5. Currently the only known cooperation on the provision of
U.S.-made nuclear technologies being negotiated is the supply
of small radioactive sources from Pacific Northwest National
Laboratory to test radiation detection equipment being
provided by U.S. DOE at border checkpoints. According to the
local media, the GOAJ has plans to build a critical assembly
(very small-scale reactor) to create small sources for use in
medical treatment and oil exploration. This may present an
opportunity for U.S. nuclear technology and expertise.
FOREIGN COMPETITORS
--------------
6. Considering the nascent nature of the civil nuclear
energy sector in Azerbaijan, it is unlikely there are many
other players at this stage. However, it is reasonable to
assume that the Russians and/or Iranians would be willing to
provide technology and expertise for pay or political gain.
POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS
--------------
7. The GOAJ is extremely cautious about making political
waves with either its northern or southern neighbor. Russia
is a powerful source of remittances for the Azerbaijani
economy as well as a major worldwide supplier of nuclear
technology, and northern Iran is home to nearly 20 million
ethnic Azeris.
LU