TOKYO, Sept 8, (KUNA): Kuwait on Wednesday inked a bilateral agreement with Japan for cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy covering issues such as expertise exchange, human resource development, nuclear safety, following similar deals with France and the US earlier this year.
The memorandum of cooperation (MOC) was signed by Secretary General of the Kuwait National Nuclear Energy Committee (KNNEC) Dr. Ahmad Bishara and Director General of Japan’s Agency for Natural Resources and Energy Katsuhiro Hosoi at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry here.
According to a five-year deal, which can be extended, the areas of cooperation include preparation, planning and promotion of nuclear power development while promoting the highest internationally recognized standards of nuclear non-proliferation, safety and security.
The scope of the cooperation includes training, human resources and infrastructure development, and the appropriate application of nuclear power generation and related technology, in accordance with evolving IAEA guidance and standards on milestones for infrastructure development.
The MOC also provides for cooperation in the areas of support for public relations and information to gain and keep the confidence of the national and local communities in nuclear power generation.
The cooperation will be taken through exchanging information and documentation, exchanging training of personnel, organizing symposia, seminars and workshops, as well as the provision of relevant technical and services.
At the signing ceremony in the presence of Kuwaiti Ambassador in Japan Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi and the new Japanese ambassador designate to Kuwait Yasuyoshi Komizo, Dr. Bishara hailed the deal, saying, “This MOC is an important phase in the expanding relations between Kuwait and Japan.
It also recognizes the challenges of the growing energy demands facing both countries, as well as the broader international community, in a manner that contributes to reducing geenhouse gases.”
He went on to say that the MOC will provide an opportunity for the two countries to cooperate in the field of peaceful uses of nuclear energy and the associated infrastructures in their respective countries, all in accordance with the appropriate international agreements and safeguards.
The four-member Kuwaiti delegation included Advisor to KNNEC Dr. Adnan Shiab-Eldin, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health Samir Salman Yousef and KNNEC Project Coordinator Dr. Bassam Shuhaiber.
Wednesday’s deal marked Kuwait’s third international nuclear cooperation agreement. Speaking to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Dr. Bishara said Kuwait plans to sign a similar agreement with Russia later this month, and another one with South Korea within a few months.
He said Kuwait expects the national demand for electricity to double in 10 to 15 years from the current 11,000 megawatts, which would make the country face a serious power shortage.
To help meet a power demand, a stable supply of energy through the diversification of energy sources is seriously needed.
According to Dr. Bishara, Kuwait currently burns 12 percent of its oil to meet local electricity needs, but the figure will reach 20 percent in 20 years in case Kuwait fails to find alternative sources of energy. If nuclear power generation is introduced into the electricity grid, he estimates that nuclear power could make 15-20 percent of the total electric power supply.
He said the KNNEC is on pace to conduct some studies towards the possibility of the introduction of nuclear power generation covering such issues as cost of power generation by nuclear energy and other sources of energy, the establishment of a legal framework, reviews on potential sites for the nuclear plants and development of relevant human resources.
He expressed hope that all these studies will be completed by the end of this year, and then the committee, which is headed by H.H. the Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, will make a decision whether Kuwait is to become a nuclear-powered state early next year.
If decided, Kuwait’s first nuclear power station will be built in 10 to 12 years, Dr. Bishara said. He also said a Japanese consultant is expected to prepare the feasibility study of the nuclear energy program.
During their stay in Tokyo, the Kuwaiti nuclear team held a series of talks with senior officials at the trade ministry, Foreign Ministry and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, as well as the nation’s nuclear agencies.
The experts also met with Japan’s major nuclear manufacturers, as arranged by Japan Industrial Forum. They also visited some research facilities and institutions in and around Tokyo.
On his part, Hosoi told the Kuwaiti delegation that the signing of this memorandum is highly significant as it provides a framework under which Japan will be able to contribute to Kuwait’s introduction of nuclear power generation by sharing its 50 years of experience in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, world-leading technological capacity, and expertise gained through the operation of 54 nuclear power plants.
In his remarks to KUNA, Hosoi said, “I hope this cooperation on the nuclear energy will open a new chapter in the development of Kuwait-Japan relations,” noting that the two countries have already enjoyed long-term friendship and cooperation in the energy field.
Ambassador Abdulrahman Al-Otaibi also spoke highly of the deal, saying, “It came at a time that the two countries are making preparations for events to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Kuwaiti-Japanese diplomatic ties in 2011.
He also expressed deep appreciation for efforts exerted by Kuwaiti Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah in realizing this MOC.
At the first Japan-Kuwait Joint Committee in June, which Sheikh Dr. Mohammad co-chaired, the Kuwaiti side expressed its intention to study the introduction of nuclear electric power generation, and the two countries confirmed their commitment to continue discussions on the possibility of cooperation on nuclear energy.
“We expect to see enhanced cooperation and further such agreements between the two countries beyond our longstanding partnership in oil and energy sectors,” Al-Otaibi said.
Japan has similar non-binding agreements with Vietnam, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates , Italy, Poland and Malaysia.