Statement on Nuclear Energy and SMR Projects from Minister Bayraktar
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar shared nuclear energy targets, SMR projects, the TRNC energy line, and the electric vehicle vision at the Turkey Investment Conference in the USA.
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar made important evaluations regarding nuclear energy, SMR investments, TRNC energy projects, and electric vehicle targets following his contacts at the 19th Turkey Investment Conference held in the USA.
SMR Projects and Nuclear Targets
A cooperation agreement was signed between Turkey Nuclear Energy Inc. and the US Trade and Development Agency in the field of small modular reactors. Regulations including incentives and exemptions for SMR investments are being worked on.
Turkey's first SMR project aims to be commissioned in the first half of the 2030s, and it is desired to take part on the technology side in this field as well.
International Collaborations
While evaluating cooperation opportunities in the field of nuclear energy with Canada, a new memorandum of understanding is also planned to be made with the French company EDF in the near future.
In addition to nuclear investments, great importance is attached to the sharing of experience in operation and safety issues.
TRNC Energy Projects
Marine studies have been initiated to deliver natural gas to the island in order to permanently solve the electricity problem of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.
It was reported that the planned infrastructure is also designed in a way that will allow the gas that may be discovered in the Eastern Mediterranean in the future to be transported to Turkey.
Development Road and Energy Lines
It was emphasized that the most important element that will make the Development Road project a true development corridor is energy lines.
It is envisaged that the entire infrastructure will be financed with revenues to be obtained from pipelines and electricity interconnections to be established within the scope of the project.
Electric Vehicle and Grid Investments
Stating that electrification in transportation plays a critical role in reducing foreign dependency, it was stated that 13 million electric vehicles will be needed by 2035.
In line with the increasing demand, at least 1.3 million charging stations need to be established and billions of dollars of investment need to be made for the grid infrastructure.
Strategic Minerals
It was noted that critical minerals such as rare earth elements and gold are of vital importance for the energy transition.
It was stated that Eti Maden will follow a more aggressive growth strategy in the field of strategic minerals in the new period.