Türkiye has entered into a strategic agreement with Danish company Copenhagen Atomics to advance nuclear technology development using thorium, a resource abundant in Türkiye. This memorandum of understanding, signed with the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), aims to leverage thorium for next-generation nuclear technologies, including the production of thorium compounds suitable for advanced reactors.
The collaboration will primarily focus on research, development, and project design to enable the production of nuclear-grade thorium compounds within Türkiye, particularly for application in molten salt reactors. The initiative seeks to involve local technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers in creating high-value nuclear technologies, potentially positioning Türkiye as a leader in this field.
Copenhagen Atomics is at the forefront of developing fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology, utilizing its modular “Onion Core” concept. As part of the agreement, the company will evaluate how its technology aligns with Türkiye’s research infrastructure, workforce, and industrial capabilities. This collaboration reflects Türkiye’s strategic move to reduce its reliance on imported nuclear fuel by harnessing domestic thorium resources.
Türkiye is aiming for a significant expansion of its nuclear energy capacity, targeting 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear power and 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by 2050. The country’s inaugural nuclear power facility, Akkuyu, will feature four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the importance of the partnership with Copenhagen Atomics, noting that the technology’s reliance on thorium is particularly advantageous given its abundance in Türkiye.
Minister Bayraktar expressed optimism that this cooperation could lead to the development of commercially viable nuclear technologies. As Türkiye continues to expand its nuclear power capabilities alongside renewable energy projects, this partnership represents a significant step toward achieving energy independence and advancing technological innovation in the nuclear sector.