Türkiye is taking significant steps toward enhancing its nuclear capabilities by signing a memorandum of understanding with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish firm specializing in nuclear technology. This collaboration aims to harness Türkiye’s thorium resources to develop next-generation nuclear technologies. The agreement, involving the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), will primarily focus on producing thorium compounds domestically, tailored for advanced nuclear reactors.
A pivotal aspect of this partnership is the focus on research and development for nuclear-grade thorium compounds, especially for application in molten salt reactors. The initiative looks to integrate Turkish technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers to advance high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics is pioneering fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology with its innovative “Onion Core” concept. Under this agreement, the company will evaluate its technology in the context of Türkiye’s research infrastructure, skilled workforce, and industrial capacities.
Thorium is seen by Türkiye as a strategic resource to lessen its reliance on imported nuclear fuel. With plans to broaden its nuclear power capabilities alongside renewable energy projects, the country aims to establish both large-scale reactors and small modular reactors. Türkiye’s goal is to achieve 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 GW from small modular reactors by 2050. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, the first of its kind in Türkiye, will feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 MW.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted the significance of this cooperation, noting that Copenhagen Atomics’ technology could efficiently utilize Türkiye’s relatively abundant thorium reserves. He expressed optimism that this partnership might eventually lead to the development of commercially viable nuclear technology, further strengthening the nation’s energy independence and technological prowess.