CIVIL NUCLEAR WORKING GROUP OF THE TRADE PROMOTION

UNCLAS STATE 127423 ALSO VILNIUS PLEASE PASS TO MINSK E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ENRG TRGY BEXP BTIO SUBJECT: CIVIL NUCLEAR WORKING GROUP OF THE TRADE PROMOTION COORDINATING COMMITTEE REQUESTS INFORMATION SUPPORT ON COUNTRIES PLANS TO PURSUE NUCLEAR ENERGY REF: UNVIE 576 ¶1. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST: Please see paras 5-8. ¶2. SUMMARY. At the first meeting of the Civil Nuclear Interagency Working Group of the Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee on August 27, 2008, representatives of several USG agencies agreed to request that selected Posts report on in- country developments regarding civil nuclear energy to provide a current overview of host countrys plans in this sector. This reporting will be used to inform policy makers, identify market opportunities, and support trade promotion activities for the U.S. civil nuclear industry. END SUMMARY. ¶3. BACKGROUND. To support an emerging U.S. civil nuclear industry as it competes in global markets, the International Trade Administration (ITA),within the U.S. Department of Commerce, has developed the Civil Nuclear Trade Initiative. Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez officially announced the Initiative on October 8, 2008 at the Civil Nuclear Energy Summit at the Department of Commerce. The Summit, co- organized by the Departments of Commerce and Energy, focused on renewing Americas nuclear energy partnership for energy security and economic growth and included over 200 leaders from the sector. The summary of the conference proceedings and presentations are available at: www.ita.doc.gov/td/energy/nuclear.htm. ¶4. The Civil Nuclear Trade Initiative (see http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-198 39.pdf): -- Created a new interagency Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee (TPCC) Working Group, to coordinate international U.S. policy and activities affecting U.S. civil nuclear trade; -- Established a Civil Nuclear Trade Advisory Committee (CINTAC),composed of U.S. industry representatives that will provide consensus advice from the U.S. civil nuclear industry to the Secretary of Commerce; -- Inaugurated industry promotional activities at the International Atomic Energy Agencys General Conference in Vienna, Austria, September 29 - October 4, 2008, which included a U.S. nuclear industry exhibit and reception and a policymakers roundtable (see reftel for summary); and -- Seeks, under the auspices of the Department of Commerce, to identify U.S. civil nuclear trade mission opportunities to key overseas markets (e.g., Commercial Nuclear Trade Mission to India). END BACKGROUND. ¶5. ACTION REQUEST. Department requests assistance from designated Posts to provide a brief, current overview of host countrys planned nuclear energy program. Post should seek out meetings with host government energy, industry, foreign affairs, and trade representatives and key officials and representatives in other appropriate private sectors. Posts may wish to draw from background above to describe the International Trade Administrations (ITA) Civil Nuclear Trade Initiative and promote opportunities for U.S. civil nuclear industry. Post may also advise host governments that nuclear infrastructure development assistance programs may be available through the USG, commensurate with need and subject to availability of limited resources. ¶6. To maximize the effectiveness of reporting cables to both the civil nuclear industry and policymakers, Department requests that Posts send information via unclassified cable. Where necessary, classified information should be sent septel with a reference to the unclassified reporting cable. ¶7. Department requests that Posts seek responses to the following questions and report back to Washington by December 23, 2008. Not all questions may be relevant for each country. Some questions may have already been asked and answered in recent reporting, in which case such reporting should be referenced in replying to this cable. Expressions of serious interest should be noted to allow Washington to follow-up as appropriate. Future updates on civil nuclear developments are encouraged, as merited. ¶8. CIVIL NUCLEAR SECTOR REPORTING REQUESTED. Overview of Civil Nuclear Power Program -------------- -- Describe any plans for the development of nuclear power in your country. Also, describe any existing or planned nuclear power related facilities in your country, such as uranium mining, if any. Do you foresee an expansion of these facilities? -- If your country is considering the pursuit of nuclear power, describe the underlying motivations (e.g., current or anticipated power shortages, energy security, or other industrial uses, such as desalination). -- If there are plans to pursue nuclear power, describe the anticipated government role in the financing of its civil nuclear sector. For example, does the government plan to provide subsidies, tax breaks, loan guarantees, or other financial incentives? Would some or all nuclear power plants be state-owned and operated? Would you seek financing from international investment banks and organizations or consortium arrangements? -- What are the names and titles of the key nuclear decision making government bodies and top officials? -- Does your country have an existing nuclear regulatory authority? What are its inspection/enforcement powers? If so, how large is it (i.e., how many people does it employ)? If not, are there plans to establish such an authority? -- Does your country have a domestic nuclear liability law? If so, please summarize its major elements. In particular, is there a minimum level of required liability coverage required for operation? If your country is not party to an international liability regime, is there any consideration being given to joining one? If so, which international liability regime (Vienna Convention, Paris Convention, Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage) is being considered. -- Is the manufacturing base in your country (including high- tech components and heavy industry) involved in nuclear- related products or services? Does it seem likely that any components or contracting services for new plants could be sourced locally, or would the majority of these need to be imported? -- How extensive is your countrys nuclear-trained workforce? Does your country have a significant engineering, technician and construction base that could be readily converted into a nuclear workforce (e.g., engineers, high precision manufacturing, robust quality assurance programs, high quality construction)? Will the development of civil nuclear power require a significant foreign workforce? Are programs in place, or being developed, for training of domestic personnel (e.g., in skilled trades and nuclear regulation)? Opportunities for U.S. Industry -------------- -- Does your country have any current or anticipated nuclear- related tenders? If so, please describe the tender/selection process for new contracts, its timing, and indicate any U.S. firms considering bidding. -- What nuclear sector opportunities do you foresee for U.S. industry (e.g., feasibility studies or other consulting services, plant construction management, reactor sales, fuel cycle service provision, plant operations, waste management, or logistics)? -- If applicable, what are the primary companies (domestic and foreign) involved in (or considering involvement in) your countrys civil nuclear sector? Please include utilities, plant operators, fuel cycle service providers, technology vendors, and major construction or consulting firms. Foreign Competitors -------------- -- Are there other nuclear supplier countries engaging your country? Please describe any available details on formal agreements including existing or potential (1) MOUs on nuclear cooperation; (2) legal frameworks for nuclear commerce; or (3) arrangements for technical or information exchanges. -- Are there any political considerations your country may take into account when choosing to cooperate with competing nuclear supplier states? ¶9. Post assistance in this request is much appreciated. Commerce Department point of contact is Sarah Lopp (202-482- 3851, sarah.lopp@mail.doc.gov); State Department point of contact is Marc Humphrey (202-647-6103, HumphreyMA@state.gov). RICE