Türkiye has entered into a partnership with Danish nuclear technology firm Copenhagen Atomics to explore the potential of next-generation nuclear technologies utilizing thorium resources within Türkiye. The Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) has signed a memorandum of understanding which will concentrate on thorium technologies, including the domestic production of thorium compounds that are suitable for advanced nuclear reactors.
The collaboration will primarily focus on research, development, and project design aimed at producing nuclear-grade thorium compounds in Türkiye, with a specific emphasis on molten salt reactors. This partnership seeks to engage Turkish technology companies, industrial firms, and researchers in the creation of high-value nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics, known for its development of fourth-generation molten salt reactor technology through its modular “Onion Core” concept, will evaluate its technology in the context of Türkiye’s research infrastructure, workforce, and industrial capabilities.
Türkiye is exploring thorium as a strategic resource to lessen its reliance on imported nuclear fuel, while simultaneously expanding its nuclear power capabilities alongside renewable energy initiatives. The nation has set ambitious goals, aiming for 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and an additional 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors by 2050. Currently, Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is under development and will feature four reactors with a combined capacity of 4,800 megawatts.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar underscored the significance of this collaboration, noting the potential of Copenhagen Atomics’ technology to operate with thorium, a resource that is relatively abundant in Türkiye. He expressed optimism that the partnership could pave the way for achieving commercially viable nuclear technology in the future.