Türkiye has taken a significant step towards advancing its nuclear capabilities by signing a memorandum of understanding with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish nuclear technology firm. The collaboration will focus on harnessing Türkiye’s thorium resources to develop next-generation nuclear technologies. This agreement, orchestrated by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), will emphasize the domestic production of thorium compounds tailored for advanced nuclear reactors.
Central to this partnership is the aim to produce nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye, particularly for application in molten salt reactors. The initiative will involve Turkish technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers, fostering the development of high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics brings to the table its innovative fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology, specifically the modular “Onion Core” concept. Under the terms of the agreement, the company will evaluate the compatibility of its technology with Türkiye’s research infrastructure, skilled workforce, and industrial capacity.
Türkiye is actively pursuing strategies to diminish its reliance on imported nuclear fuel, viewing thorium as a viable alternative. The country is not only expanding its nuclear power infrastructure but also integrating it with renewable energy solutions. By 2050, Türkiye aims to achieve 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity alongside 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors. The Akkuyu nuclear power plant, Türkiye’s first, is set to feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted the significance of this cooperation, noting that Copenhagen Atomics’ technology could effectively utilize thorium, which is widely available in Türkiye. He expressed optimism that this collaboration could eventually result in commercially viable nuclear technology, marking a pivotal development in Türkiye’s energy landscape.