Türkiye has embarked on a new collaboration with Danish firm Copenhagen Atomics to investigate the potential of next-generation nuclear technologies, focusing on the country’s thorium resources. This initiative, formalized in a memorandum of understanding by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), seeks to advance thorium technologies, primarily aiming at the domestic production of thorium compounds tailored for use in sophisticated nuclear reactors.
The collaboration will center around research and development efforts, alongside project design, to manufacture nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye. These compounds are intended for application in molten salt reactors, a cutting-edge area in nuclear technology. The partnership is also designed to engage Turkish technology companies, industrial entities, and researchers in the creation of high-value nuclear technologies, potentially boosting the country’s technological capabilities and economic growth.
Copenhagen Atomics, which is pioneering fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology through its modular “Onion Core” design, will evaluate the suitability of its technology in conjunction with Türkiye’s research infrastructure, workforce, and industrial resources. This assessment is crucial for determining how well the technology can be integrated and developed within the country.
Türkiye views thorium as a strategic resource to lessen its dependence on imported nuclear fuel. As the nation expands its nuclear energy program alongside renewable energy initiatives, it aims to develop both large-scale reactors and small modular reactors. The country has set ambitious goals to reach 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by the mid-21st century. In line with these goals, Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is expected to house 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 has the potential to utilize thorium, a resource that is relatively abundant in Türkiye. He expressed optimism that this partnership could pave the way for developing commercially viable nuclear technology, thereby enhancing the country’s energy independence and technological prowess.