In a significant step toward advancing its nuclear capabilities, Türkiye has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Danish firm Copenhagen Atomics. This collaboration aims to harness Türkiye’s thorium resources to develop cutting-edge nuclear technologies. The agreement, signed by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), is set to prioritize research and development in thorium technologies, with a focus on producing thorium compounds domestically for advanced nuclear reactors.
A key component of this partnership will be the design and development of projects that produce nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye, specifically tailored for molten salt reactors. The initiative also seeks to engage Turkish technology companies, industrial sectors, and researchers in the process of creating high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics is known for its work on fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology, particularly through its innovative modular “Onion Core” concept. The company will evaluate this technology in the context of Türkiye’s existing research infrastructure, workforce, and industrial capabilities under the new agreement.
Recognizing thorium as a potential avenue to decrease reliance on imported nuclear fuel, Türkiye is actively expanding its nuclear energy sector alongside renewable energy initiatives. The nation has set ambitious targets, aiming to achieve 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by the year 2050. Part of this strategic expansion includes the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which will feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar highlighted the importance of the collaboration, emphasizing Copenhagen Atomics’ technology as a promising solution due to its compatibility with thorium, a resource abundantly available in Türkiye. The minister expressed optimism that this partnership could pave the way for developing commercially viable nuclear technology, leveraging the country’s own resources and expertise. Through this agreement, Türkiye aims to position itself as a leader in the development of next-generation nuclear technologies.