Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09STATE78415
2009-07-28 14:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

RESPONSE TO ONTARIO POWER GENERATION REGARDING A

Tags:  KNNP MNUC ASEC KCRM PARM PINR PREL CA XS 
pdf how-to read a cable
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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #8415 2091417
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O 281401Z JUL 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA IMMEDIATE 5919
RUEHON/AMCONSUL TORONTO IMMEDIATE 6985
INFO RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA IMMEDIATE 5233
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAORC/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 0847
RHMFIUU/NRC WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMFISS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RHMCSUU/FBI WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 5190
RUETIAA/DIRNSA FT GEORGE G MEADE MD IMMEDIATE 2448
RHMCSUU/DEPT OF ENERGY WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE 0384
UNCLAS STATE 078415 

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC ASEC KCRM PARM PINR PREL CA XS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ONTARIO POWER GENERATION REGARDING A
USG REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR HELIUM-3 EXTRACTION

REF: A. TORONTO 000163

B. STATE 075002

C. OTTAWA 000522

D. STATE 69767

UNCLAS STATE 078415

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC ASEC KCRM PARM PINR PREL CA XS
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO ONTARIO POWER GENERATION REGARDING A
USG REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR HELIUM-3 EXTRACTION

REF: A. TORONTO 000163

B. STATE 075002

C. OTTAWA 000522

D. STATE 69767


1. (U) This is an action request for Consulate General
Toronto and Embassy Ottawa. Please see paragraph 3.


2. (SBU) BACKGROUND: Per REF A, Ontario Power Generation
(OPG) is "highly supportive" of the United States' proposal
to extract helium-3 (He-3) from OPG facilities and has
offered several suggestions and preferences. OPG stated it
would like to transfer its inventory of tritium directly to
the United States Government (USG) without being involved in
any subsequent processes to utilize the tritium or its
byproducts. OPG specifically requested the USG issue a
Request for Proposal which would allow OPG to initiate a
dialogue with the goal of a mutually-acceptable agreement and
transfer of material. Additionally, OPG preferred an initial
meeting consist of "people who can talk business and
decision-makers," prior to technical discussions between
technical experts. Mario Cornacchia, OPG's Director of
Commercial Services, offered an informal tour of OPG's
facility in Darlington and promised to consider including
technical experts in any initial discussions.


3. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: ConGen Toronto is requested to
inform OPG that Washington is encouraged by their response
and intends to draft a Request for Proposal to be delivered
in the August 10 timeframe. Additionally, Washington requests
that ConGen Toronto seek answers to the questions in
paragraph 4 in order to facilitate a means to extract He-3
from OPG stocks of tritium. Washington requests that Embassy
Ottawa inform appropriate Canadian authorities that OPG has
expressed an interest in transferring its inventory of
tritium to the United States Government, in contrast to the
contemplated extraction of He-3 discussed in REF C.


4. (SBU) FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS:

--The tentative delegation listed in REF B would like to
visit OPG's Darlington facility between September 9-17, 2009.
Washington appreciates the offer of an informal tour and
OPG's flexibility on the inclusion of at least one technical
expert on this initial visit.

--In order to generate a proper Request for Proposal,
Washington asks that OPG provide information regarding any
monitoring requirements that are associated with the
cylinders described in REF A, and Canadian transport and
packaging requirements for shipping these cylinders through
Canadian territory.


5. (SBU) REPORTING DEADLINE: Washington requests that ConGen
Toronto respond via front-channel cable no later than August
3, 2009.


6. (SBU) Washington appreciates Posts' assistance. Contact
Michael Curry (currymr@state.gov),202-736-7692 in ISN/WMDT
for additional information.
CLINTON