GCC SECRETARIAT PEACEFUL NUCLEAR ENERGY ACTIVITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000924 ISN FOR ARIEL STUKALIN, NEA/ARP FOR JOSH HARRIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/08/2019 TAGS: KNUC PREL SA SUBJECT: GCC SECRETARIAT PEACEFUL NUCLEAR ENERGY ACTIVITY Classified By: PM Counselor Scott McGehee for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) ACTION REQUEST: See paragraph 8. SUMMARY -------------- ¶2. (C) The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) has begun a planning effort for the development of nuclear industry in GCC countries, and recently announced its goal to build a regional nuclear power plant by 2015. The GCC has approached U.S. consulting firms for this effort. An initial report of findings and recommendations is to be presented to GCC member states in December 2009. END SUMMARY. GCC SEEKING US ASSISTANCE -------------- ¶3. (C) Embassy Pol/Mil Counselor met in April, 2009 with Dr. Najeeb Al-Jamea, Director of the GCC Electricity and Water Department to discuss the GCC's interest in contracting with U.S. firms for consulting services on nuclear industry development issues. Dr. Al-Jamea explained that the GCC was following up an initial IAEA feasibility study that concluded nuclear power would be cost-effective for electricity generation and water desalination in the Gulf region. ¶4. (C) In response to a question about how the GCC effort relates to or might cut across ongoing independent activities by GCC governments, Dr. Al-Jamea gave assurances that the GCC effort was fully authorized and coordinated with GCC member states. RFPs FOR NUCLEAR INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT -------------- ¶5. (C) Dr. Al-Jamea provided a copy of a draft request for proposal (RFP) inviting U.S firms to provide advice in the following areas: a. Recommended legal frameworks for nuclear power programs; b. Requirements to establish radiation safety infrastructure; c. Recommended technological and industrial infrastructure to support a nuclear power industry; d. Recommendations for the development of a regional strategy for creating sustainable supplies of electricity and water and the possible contribution of nuclear energy in GCC countries; e. Nuclear power plant siting; f. Workforce planning for nuclear power development; and g. Fuel cycle back end and waste management. US FIRMS INVITED TO BID -------------- ¶6. (C) Dr. Al-Jamea subsequently informed the Embassy that the RFP had been sent to the following U.S. firms: -- Bechtel -- Transco Products -- Thorium Power -- Nuclear Energy Institute -- NAC International -- USEC, International -- Curtis-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp. -- CH2M Hill Global ¶7. (C) Dr. Al-Jamea reported in June 2009 that the GCC received several responses and hopes to award a contract soon, with the objective of presenting recommendations to GCC member states in December 2009. Post will track and provide updates on this GCC effort. COMMENT -------------- ¶8. (C) The GCC nuclear planning activity has been running parallel and slightly behind national efforts of the member states which in our view will continue to have priority in nuclear development efforts. However, the July 14 announcement by the GCC of its objective of establishing a common regional nuclear power plant by 2015 suggests that the GCC is acquiring a more prominent role in regional nuclear planning. END COMMENT. ERDMAN