UK co-operation on nuclear energy with Gulf States

This file concerns opportunities for cooperation in the nuclear energy sector between the UK and Middle Eastern states, in particular Kuwait, marking a shift in the region towards alternative energy sources. It contains correspondence relating to:

• Meetings between representatives of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), the Nuclear Power Company (NPC) and the Kuwaiti Minister for Energy and Water Abdulla Al Ghanim to discuss potential cooperation in the nuclear energy sector
• NPC’s proposed tender to construct a nuclear research reactor for Kuwait; with possible technical assistance from Westinghouse Electric Corporation and fuel supplied by Urenco
• Political aspects of the proposed deal, concerning the transfer of nuclear material and nuclear non-proliferation
• Potential Anglo-Kuwaiti joint exploration for uranium in Sudan
• Consultations between the UKAEA and the UAE Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Mana Saeed Al Otaiba and other UAE officials, concerning potential cooperation in the country’s energy sector
• Development of a nuclear programme in Saudi Arabia, the opportunities this creates for technical cooperation with Britain, and the difficulties created by Saudi Arabia not being a party to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT)
• Planned visit of the Ruler of Sharjah Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi to Australia and his possible meeting with the Australian Atomic Energy Commission (AAEC)
• Possibility of Bahrain acceding to the NPT
• Activities of the Department of Energy’s chief scientist Dr W Marshall in the Middle East
• Kuwait’s eventual decision not to proceed with the research reactor project