Turkey's thorium cooperation move with Copenhagen Atomics
Turkey has signed a memorandum of understanding with Denmark-based Copenhagen Atomics to evaluate thorium in next-generation nuclear technologies.
According to the statement by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, a memorandum of understanding was signed with Denmark-based Copenhagen Atomics to use thorium in next-generation nuclear reactor technologies. This cooperation aims to produce thorium compounds with domestic resources and position Turkey as a supplier internationally.
Signing of the memorandum of understanding
According to the statement made by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, a step was taken for next-generation nuclear technologies under the auspices of Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar. In this context, an official memorandum of understanding was implemented with Denmark-based Copenhagen Atomics.
Domestic production and R&D activities
Through the studies carried out, it is aimed to produce thorium compounds completely with domestic resources. Priority topics include R&D activities for the production of thorium in Turkey in a quality that can be used in next-generation nuclear and molten salt reactors.
Strengthening the supplier position
It is planned to produce thorium compounds meeting nuclear fuel standards with domestic resources. Thus, it is targeted for Turkey to reach an effective supplier position internationally in this field.
Copenhagen Atomics' projects
Denmark-based Copenhagen Atomics conducts R&D activities for molten salt reactors, which are among fourth-generation reactor concepts. The company focuses on its modular molten salt reactor concept named 'Onion Core'.
Joint evaluation with TENMAK
Copenhagen Atomics will evaluate the technology in question within the framework of its cooperation with TENMAK. This process will be carried out along the axis of Turkey's research infrastructure, human resources, and industrial capabilities.
Statements by Minister Bayraktar
Following the signing ceremony, Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated that small modular reactors are developing very rapidly. Bayraktar noted that thorium is a technology that will reduce foreign dependency and expressed their hope that the cooperation will turn into a commercializable product.