NO OFFICIAL KYRGYZ INTEREST IN NUCLEAR POWER

UNCLAS BISHKEK 001215 SENSITIVE SIPDIS DEPT FOR SCA/CEN (GORKOWSKI) E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO KG SUBJECT: NO OFFICIAL KYRGYZ INTEREST IN NUCLEAR POWER REF: STATE 127423 ¶1. In response to reftel inquiry, Post is not aware of any official Kyrgyz interest in developing nuclear power. No nuclear power facilities exist in the Kyrgyz Republic. There has been some academic discussion of the topic; however, Post has not learned of any consideration of this option among Kyrgyz government officials. ¶2. During the Soviet era, uranium was mined in the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic. However, no uranium is currently mined, and the country is working with international donors to develop strategies to clean up uranium tailings sites. The United Nations is seeking options that might include "recultivation" of uranium tailings sites to process any worthwhile contents. ¶3. Although the Kyrgyz Republic is currently experiencing power shortages, Kyrgyz officials are looking to expand hydropower capacity, as well as to coal and renewable energy as methods for generating additional electricity. Cost factors as well as seismic activity are two of the reasons why nuclear power plants would not be suitable for the Kyrgyz Republic. LITZENBERGER