Türkiye has embarked on a new venture in nuclear technology by entering into a memorandum of understanding with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish company known for its advancements in nuclear tech. The collaboration aims to harness Türkiye’s thorium resources, a move that reflects the country’s strategic interest in developing next-generation nuclear technologies. The Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) has signed this agreement with a focus on crafting thorium compounds domestically, which are crucial for advanced nuclear reactors.
Central to this partnership is the pursuit of research and development geared towards producing nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye. This effort is particularly directed at enhancing molten salt reactors, a type of nuclear reactor that promises improved safety and efficiency. The collaboration also opens doors for Turkish tech companies, industrial firms, and academic researchers to contribute to and benefit from the development of high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics, with its innovative “Onion Core” concept for modular molten salt reactors, will evaluate how its technology could be integrated with Türkiye’s existing research infrastructure and industrial capabilities.
Türkiye’s interest in thorium is driven by the potential to reduce its reliance on imported nuclear fuel. As part of its broader energy strategy, the country is looking to bolster its nuclear power capabilities alongside renewable energy projects. Plans are in place to develop both large-scale reactors and small modular reactors, aiming for a total nuclear capacity of 15 gigawatts from conventional sources and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by 2050. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Türkiye’s first, will play a significant role with its four reactors providing a combined output of 4,800 megawatts.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar underscored the significance of the partnership with Copenhagen Atomics, highlighting the potential of thorium, which is relatively plentiful in Türkiye, as a game changer for the country’s nuclear ambitions. He expressed optimism that this collaboration could eventually lead to the development of commercially viable nuclear technologies, setting Türkiye on a path to becoming a leader in the field.