PORTUGAL: NUCLEAR ENERGY OVERVIEW

UNCLAS LISBON 002788 SIPDIS COMMERCE DEPT FOR SLOPP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO PGOV PO SUBJECT: PORTUGAL: NUCLEAR ENERGY OVERVIEW REF: STATE 127423 OVERVIEW OF CIVIL NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAM -------------- ¶1. The following presents the information requested reftel regarding civilian nuclear energy in Portugal, provided by Teresa Tavares, Deputy for International Relations at the Ministry of Science and Technology, and Bento Morais Sarmento, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Energy and Geology (DGEG). ¶2. Portugal does not have a civilian nuclear power program or significant related facilities and has no plans to develop them. Portugal does operate a light-water pool reactor for research purposes only. ¶3. The Minister of Economy, currently Manuel Pinho, is responsible for nuclear policy in Portugal. The Minister for Health, currently Ana Jorge, is responsible for radiation protection issues. The Minister of Environment, currently Franciso Nunes Correia, is responsible for uranium mining, reclamation, and related activities. The Minister for Science and Technology, currently Mariano Gago, is responsible for nuclear energy policy through the Technological and Nuclear Institute (ITN). ¶4. Nuclear activities in Portugal are governed by a series of laws, regulations, and decrees, and responsibility for these is shared by the appropriate Ministries listed in para ¶3. DGEG, under the Minister of Economy, is responsible for licensing nuclear fuel cycle facilities and for the transfer of nuclear fuel on national territory and between Portugal and other EU states. ITN is responsible for the evaluation and inspection of security conditions regarding nuclear fuel transport. ¶5. Portugal has not enacted specific nuclear third party liability legislation, but Portugal is a Contracting Party to the Paris Convention. ¶6. There is no significant nuclear-related manufacturing base in Portugal. ¶7. Due to the limited nuclear energy research activity in Portugal, the nuclear trained workforce is small, with no plans for expansion. OPPORTUNITIES FOR U.S. INDUSTRY -------------- ¶8. Portugal has no current or anticipated nuclear-related tenders. ¶9. There are no nuclear sector opportunities foreseen for U.S. industry. FOREIGN COMPETITORS -------------- ¶10. There is no significant engagement by nuclear supplier countries in Portugal. STEPHENSON