Turkey is currently revamping its nuclear industry landscape, distancing itself from an over-reliance on Russian technology and focusing on the potential of small modular reactors (SMRs). This shift aligns with the aspirations of Selcuk Bayraktar, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s son-in-law, who is spearheading TMRS Energy to explore this burgeoning market.
New Regulatory Framework for Small Modular Reactors
On October 2, Turkey’s Official Gazette published a pivotal regulation that officially includes modular reactors in the nation’s nuclear authorization system. This regulation not only clarifies the definitions surrounding modular reactors but also provides a comprehensive framework for their approval, manufacturing, testing, and operational processes. The emphasis on modular technology is particularly noteworthy, as Turkey also plans to introduce a dedicated Small Modular Reactor Law aimed at creating a robust legal and financial environment for this innovative technology.
The impending legislation is slated for submission to the Turkish Parliament in the current legislative season. It aims to lay down essential guidelines regarding financing, safety standards, and the rollout of SMRs, which could revolutionize the energy sector.
TMRS Energy’s Vision and the Role of Bayraktar
Selcuk Bayraktar disclosed that TMRS Energy has been researching SMRs for about one to two years. He expressed optimism about the company being able to construct these reactors in the near future. At the TEKNOFEST technology festival, he characterized SMRs as potential game-changers, reminiscent of Turkey’s advances in drone technology, an area where his company, Baykar, has gained substantial acclaim. He argues that, by utilizing SMRs, Turkey could significantly bolster its domestic technological capabilities in areas traditionally monopolized by state-run entities.
Despite its ambitions, TMRS Energy has yet to obtain a nuclear power plant contract, and there is no public evidence confirming its progress to commercial reactor production. This contrasts sharply with Turkey’s first nuclear project, Akkuyu, which is being built under the strict control of Russian state-owned Rosatom. Akkuyu features four reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts but has tied Turkey into a long-term dependency on Russian nuclear fuel.
Diversifying Nuclear Energy Sources
In an effort to break free from reliance on Russian technologies and fuels, Turkey is exploring alternative partnerships. Discussions have been initiated with U.S. and South Korean firms while also considering Canadian nuclear technology for future projects. Notably, Türkiye Nükleer Enerji A.Ş. (TÜNAŞ) signed a memorandum with Canadian firm AtkinsRéalis to examine the viability of Canadian CANDU reactor technologies in Turkey.
Moreover, Turkish interests are not limited to international collaborations with reactor suppliers. The Turkish Nuclear Energy Research Institute (TENMAK) has partnered with Copenhagen Atomics to explore thorium-based nuclear technologies. This diversification strategy aims to maximize domestic participation in the nuclear sector, particularly in smaller reactor technologies.
In addition to seeking technological input from various countries, Turkey has also engaged in discussions with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) to evaluate U.S. SMR and Generation IV reactor technologies. This is part of a broader initiative to map out Turkey’s future nuclear landscape and facilitate private Turkish companies’ participation in SMR projects.
Strategic Energy Diversification and Future Goals
Turkey’s nuclear ambitions are driven by a broader energy diversification strategy aimed at reducing dependency on imported oil and gas from countries like Russia and Iran. Current state strategies involve amplifying domestic natural gas production, increasing the import of liquefied natural gas (LNG), and developing nuclear power as a pivotal electricity generation source. The government aspires to achieve 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, encompassing both large and small reactors.
As it stands, Turkey’s nuclear strategy is becoming a dual-faceted approach. The existing model is heavily influenced by the Akkuyu project, while the emerging track emphasizes a wider technology pool and enhanced local participation, particularly in the small modular reactor segment. This transition marks a significant moment for both Turkey’s energy security and its economic landscape, particularly given the prominence of Selcuk Bayraktar and TMRS Energy in these developments.