Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar visited the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Constanța, Romania, which operates with CANDU technology, to learn about the reactors and technology.
In his statement there, Bayraktar said that Turkey aims to reach 20,000 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050. He emphasized that nuclear energy is critical for the 2053 Net Zero Emission target.
Minister Bayraktar expressed that Turkey wants to invest in nuclear energy with competitive prices while having the safest technology. He noted that they have adopted a more comprehensive and holistic approach to nuclear waste management and nuclear fuel supply.
Bayraktar explained that the construction of four nuclear reactors is ongoing in Akkuyu, and there are planned plants in Sinop and Thrace to reach the 20,000-megawatt target. He also mentioned that small modular reactors are on their agenda.
Bayraktar stated that Turkey is working on the technology selection for plants to be built after Akkuyu and that countries to collaborate with and partnership models are being evaluated. He added that there has been a long-standing negotiation process with China and that more intensive work has recently started with South Korea.
He noted that work related to Canadian nuclear technology has accelerated in recent months and that the visit to Romania was important to see the applications of this technology on site. He also announced that a Canadian company will hold meetings with suppliers and equipment providers in Turkey at the end of June or early July.
Met with compatriots in Romania
As part of his Romania visit, Bayraktar also attended a meeting with businesspeople and compatriots living in Constanța. Turkey's Ambassador to Bucharest, Özgür Kıvanç Altan, and the Consul General in Constanța, Asiye Derya Dingiltepe, also participated in the program.
Addressing Turks in Romania, Bayraktar said they make significant contributions to the country's development and the advancement of bilateral cooperation with Turkey. He emphasized their contributions to Romania's economy and social life and conveyed a message of support on behalf of state institutions.
