Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BISHKEK1215
2008-12-09 09:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Bishkek
Cable title:
NO OFFICIAL KYRGYZ INTEREST IN NUCLEAR POWER
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHEK #1215 3440932 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 090932Z DEC 08 FM AMEMBASSY BISHKEK TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1576 INFO RUCPDOC/DEPT OF COMMERCE WASHDC RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0210
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
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
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