Turkey advocates for nuclear technology without sanctions for a brighter future
Türkiye’s Energy Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, emphasized the importance of nuclear power for a sustainable future and called for the removal of trade and financial restrictions on nuclear technology. He highlighted Türkiye’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2053, a goal that requires the adoption of nuclear energy.
Türkiye is facing a growing demand for electricity and is expanding its renewable energy sources while also investing in nuclear power. The country plans to add 7.2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2035 and aims to reach 20 GW by 2050, including small modular reactors.
The construction of Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is underway in Mersin with Russian involvement. Delays in the project have been caused by Western sanctions, prompting Türkiye to seek alternatives from China.
Bayraktar mentioned plans for additional nuclear plants at new sites and stressed the role of nuclear energy in meeting global climate targets. He called for the removal of barriers and restrictions on the nuclear sector to ensure progress towards sustainability goals.
Türkiye’s energy strategy involves a mix of renewables and nuclear power to ensure energy security and lower emissions. The country aims to reduce its reliance on imported energy sources, particularly natural gas from Russia and Iran, through its nuclear ambitions.
Bayraktar reiterated Türkiye’s commitment to the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and expressed willingness to collaborate with international organizations like the IAEA to promote global prosperity.
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Sofia Martins graduated from the Technical University of Madrid with a degree in Agronomy, focusing on plant nutrition and soil science. She has a deep interest in sustainable fertilizer management and works to develop eco-friendly solutions that optimize plant growth while minimizing nutrient runoff. Sofia is a dedicated researcher and has published several articles on sustainable plant nutrition practices.