New Cooperation Agreement Signed Between Turkey and the US in the Field of Nuclear Energy
A grant agreement was implemented between TÜNAŞ and USTDA providing for the evaluation of small modular and fourth-generation reactor designs.
A grant agreement covering the evaluation of small modular reactors and fourth-generation reactor designs was signed in New York between Turkey Nuclear Energy Corporation and the US Trade and Development Agency.
Signing Ceremony Held in New York
Turkey Nuclear Energy Corporation and the US Trade and Development Agency came together to develop a joint project. The signing ceremony was held at the Türkevi in New York, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was present to attend the 81st General Assembly of the United Nations.
While Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar accompanied the ceremony, TÜNAŞ General Manager Necati Yamaç and USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy signed the agreement.
Evaluation of Reactor Designs
Within the framework of the agreement, small modular reactor designs of four American companies and five different fourth-generation reactor designs will be examined in terms of technical, economic, and regulatory aspects. The compatibility of the reactors with the country will be researched through detailed studies to be conducted.
Comprehensive Technical Analyses Will Be Conducted
In the technical study to be carried out, the design features, costs, licensing status, and supply chain of the reactors in question will be addressed in detail. In addition, a SWOT analysis, financing sources, and financial models will be comprehensively examined.
Legal Framework and Reporting Process
Evaluations will also be made on authorization, emergency management, design safety, site selection, and the legal framework points. Official technical reports will be prepared upon the completion of all these analyses.
Budget and Project Timeline
Within the scope of the agreement, which has a budget of approximately two million dollars, the expenses of the technical study, which will last at least one year, will be covered by the US Trade and Development Agency.
Statements by Energy Minister Bayraktar
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that they will comprehensively evaluate the applicability of next-generation nuclear technologies in the country. Bayraktar emphasized that they will establish a modern infrastructure by diversifying the energy basket.