Cablegate: Portugal: Nuclear Energy Overview

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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

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