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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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