In a significant move to harness next-generation nuclear technologies, Türkiye has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Danish firm Copenhagen Atomics. This partnership, forged with the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), aims to leverage Türkiye’s thorium resources to develop advanced nuclear technologies. Central to the agreement is the exploration of thorium technologies, including the local production of thorium compounds that are suitable for utilization in cutting-edge nuclear reactors.
The collaboration will prioritize research, development, and the design of projects focused on producing nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye, especially for application in molten salt reactors. This initiative also seeks to engage local technology companies, industrial entities, and researchers in the creation of high-value nuclear technologies, broadening the scope of Türkiye’s industrial and technological capabilities in the nuclear sector.
Copenhagen Atomics is at the forefront of developing fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology, utilizing their innovative modular “Onion Core” design. As part of the agreement, the company will evaluate this technology in the context of Türkiye’s existing research infrastructure, workforce competence, and industrial potential. The collaboration is expected to provide Türkiye with an opportunity to reduce its reliance on imported nuclear fuel by tapping into its own thorium reserves.
Türkiye is actively expanding its nuclear energy capacity alongside its renewable energy initiatives. The nation aims to establish 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by 2050. Its inaugural nuclear power project, Akkuyu, is set to feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. Türkiye’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar underscored the importance of this partnership, highlighting that Copenhagen Atomics’ technology, which could effectively utilize Türkiye’s abundant thorium resources, might eventually lead to a commercially viable nuclear technology solution. This cooperation marks a pivotal step in Türkiye’s energy strategy, promising advancements in nuclear technology and self-sufficiency in nuclear fuel production.