Türkiye has embarked on a collaborative venture with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish company specializing in nuclear technology, to advance the development of cutting-edge nuclear technologies by utilizing the country’s thorium resources. This initiative was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), aiming to harness thorium technologies for the nation. A significant focus of this partnership is the local production of thorium compounds that can be effectively used in advanced nuclear reactors.
The collaboration will emphasize research, development, and project design efforts to produce nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye, specifically targeting their application in molten salt reactors. This partnership intends to include Turkish technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers in the quest to develop high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics is at the forefront of developing fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology through its innovative modular “Onion Core” concept. As part of the agreement, the company will evaluate this technology in relation to Türkiye’s research infrastructure, workforce capabilities, and industrial strengths.
Türkiye views thorium as a strategic resource to potentially lessen its reliance on imported nuclear fuel. The country is making strides in expanding its nuclear power capabilities alongside its renewable energy initiatives. Current plans include developing both large-scale reactors and small modular reactors, with a target of achieving 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and 5 gigawatts of small modular reactor capacity by the year 2050. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which marks Türkiye’s first foray into nuclear energy, will feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has highlighted the significance of this collaboration, noting that Copenhagen Atomics’ technology holds promise for thorium utilization, a resource that Türkiye possesses in relative abundance. He conveyed optimism that this partnership could pave the way for the development of commercially viable nuclear technology in the future. The initiative underscores Türkiye’s commitment to enhancing its energy independence and diversifying its energy portfolio through the integration of advanced nuclear solutions.