Türkiye Plans For More Large And Small Nuclear Reactors
Türkiye is embarking on a remarkable journey towards achieving energy independence and driving a substantial transformation over the next 30 years. As stated by Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, focus will be on developing various energy sources to meet the country’s national demands, with a special emphasis on the significant role of nuclear energy.
Türkiye, with its continuously growing energy demand, recognizes the paramount importance of ensuring a secure and sustainable supply. Unfortunately, the country has been heavily dependent on external sources for energy. At present, nearly 70% of primary energy sources are imported, with a staggering 92% foreign dependency on crude oil and 99% on natural gas. Reducing dependency on external sources is a crucial step towards achieving this goal while also striving to make Türkiye carbon neutral by 2053. The country needs to generate slightly more than 11% of electricity through nuclear energy by 2035, and 29% by 2053 to reach its climate goals.
Long-term planning is particularly crucial in the energy sector. A noteworthy example is the Akkuyu Nuclear Plant, designed to operate for approximately 80 years. Nuclear energy offers a compelling solution, ensuring a reliable and continuous power supply while minimizing carbon emissions. Nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in Türkiye’s pursuit of energy independence and sustainability.
Türkiye is accelerating efforts to establish the planned second nuclear power plant in Sinop, along with a third plant in the Thrace region in the northwest. Planning is already underway for the next two proposed nuclear power plants, with discussions taking place with Russia, South Korea for the 2nd NPP in Sinop and with China for the 3rd NPP in Thrace. Türkiye is also engaging with the UK and USA to explore the adoption of small modular reactor (SMR) technology.
It is envision that by the 2050s, Türkiye will have a nuclear-installed power of over 20,000 MW, equivalent to almost four Akkuyu plants. This will include a combination of large-scale power plants and SMRs, which are vital for transforming the Turkish energy industry.
Under the build-own-operate (BOO) model, a world’s first, Rosatom is constructing four VVER-1200 Gen III+ reactors (Akkuyu NPP). Under the long-term contract, Rosatom has agreed to provide the power plant’s design, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning. The 4,800 MWe plant is expected to fulfill approximately 10% of Türkiye's electricity needs, with all four units planned to be operational by 2028. Türkiye officially became a civil nuclear power country in April 2023 when Akkuyu NPP received its first batch of nuclear fuel
An exclusive technical site-visit to the Akkuyu nuclear plant site is schedules as part of the Turkiye NBP 2023 conference and exhibition which will take place 6-8 November in Antalya. This industry meeting is hosted by the Turkish government entity, Nükleer Teknik Destek (NÜTED).
Türkiye NBP 2023 strives to fulfill two main objectives:
The first objective is obtaining insights on Türkiye’s current & future nuclear power programs
The second objective is to showcase the Turkish nuclear journey as a role model for emerging nuclear countries to emulate. With its strategic vision, prudent policies, and commitment to safety, Türkiye has demonstrated its potential to serve as an example for other nations seeking to harness the benefits of nuclear energy.
For more information and to download the detailed meeting agenda visit - www.nuclearbusiness-platform.com/turkiye/tnbp-2023
