Türkiye has embarked on a collaboration with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish nuclear technology firm, through a memorandum of understanding aimed at advancing next-generation nuclear technologies using thorium resources. The agreement, facilitated by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), underscores a commitment to developing thorium technologies. This includes the domestic production of thorium compounds suited for advanced nuclear reactors, particularly molten salt reactors.
A significant aspect of this partnership is the focus on research and development, alongside project design, to produce nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye. The collaboration seeks to engage Turkish technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers, fostering the development of high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics is working on fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology with its innovative “Onion Core” concept. As part of the agreement, the company will evaluate this technology in the context of Türkiye’s research infrastructure, workforce, and industrial capabilities.
Thorium is viewed by Türkiye as a strategic resource that could help reduce reliance on imported nuclear fuel. In line with its energy diversification goals, Türkiye is expanding its nuclear power sector alongside renewable energy initiatives. The country aims to establish 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by the year 2050. 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 importance of this cooperation, noting that the technology from Copenhagen Atomics is capable of utilizing thorium, a resource that is relatively abundant in Türkiye. The minister expressed optimism that this partnership could pave the way for commercially viable nuclear technology in the future, aligning with Türkiye’s strategic energy objectives.