Turkey's Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar has called for lifting of all trade and financial restrictions in the nuclear energy sector. He made this statement in a video message at the opening of the 68th annual session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna.
“We view nuclear energy as part of our better future. In this regard, we emphasize that all barriers, including trade and financial restrictions and sanctions in this sector, must be lifted. These obstacles not only slow down technological progress and economic development but also hinder the achievement of global sustainable development goals. It is crucial that the international political community supports, rather than obstructs, the responsible development and use of nuclear energy,” Bayraktar said.
According to him, Turkey will need 4% more electricity over the next 20 years. “To meet this demand, we will prioritize increasing electricity production from renewable sources, while nuclear energy will be added as a foundational element in our overall energy diversification,” Bayraktar added. He stated that according to Turkey's long-term energy strategy, by 2035, the country will generate 7.2 GW of electricity from nuclear energy, and by 2050, this figure will reach 20 GW, including power from nuclear power plants and small modular reactors.
On September 11, Bayraktar announced that Ankara would take action against Siemens due to equipment supply issues for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). He described the situation as “a politically motivated decision.” The minister noted that the company has yet to provide legal arguments, despite discussions at the leadership level between the two countries. Siemens has indicated that it is unable to deliver equipment because German authorities have not issued the necessary export licenses.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is Turkey's first nuclear power facility, being constructed by Russia's state-owned company, Rosatom. The Akkuyu project includes four power units with Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors of Generation III+. Each unit will have a capacity of 1,200 MW. According to the intergovernmental agreement, the first power unit is expected to be operational within seven years of obtaining all necessary permits. Given that the construction license for the first unit was obtained in 2018, the target completion date is set for 2025.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Young Cheol/Pixabay
Based on materials from TASS