Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the importance of nuclear energy as a part of a better future, calling for the removal of all barriers, including trade and financial restrictions, as well as sanctions on the nuclear technology sector.
During the first day of the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria, a video message from Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar was shared.
In his speech in the video, Bayraktar thanked IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi for his efforts in promoting nuclear safety and security.
Discussing Turkey’s national energy strategy, Bayraktar highlighted the country’s focus on sustainable development and energy security. He mentioned that Turkey aims to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2053, emphasizing the inevitability of nuclear energy in this pursuit.
Pointing out that Turkey’s electricity demand is expected to increase by 4% over the next 20 years, Bayraktar stated, “To meet this growing demand, Turkey will prioritize more power generation from renewable sources and nuclear energy will be added as a fundamental element to our energy mix.”
Bayraktar also mentioned Turkey’s plans to increase its nuclear capacity, stating, “In line with the long-term National Energy Plan, we aim to commission 7.2 Gigawatts (GW) by 2035 and 20 Gigawatts (GW) by 2050, including small modular reactors (SMRs).”
Addressing Turkey’s nuclear goals, Bayraktar noted that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will have a total capacity of 4.8 Gigawatts (GW) with its four reactors, and plans are in place to commission the second and third sites in the future.
“We Advocate for Nuclear Energy as a Part of a Better Future,” said Bayraktar, adding, “Therefore, we emphasize the need to remove all barriers, such as trade and financial restrictions, and sanctions on the sector. These barriers not only slow down technological advancement and economic development but also postpone our ability to achieve global sustainability goals. It is essential for international policies to support rather than hinder the responsible development and deployment of nuclear energy.”
Bayraktar highlighted the importance of increasing nuclear capacity for Turkey to reach the ambitious goals set out in the Paris Agreement, following the decisions made at COP28 (2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference). He expressed appreciation for the Agency’s efforts to advance nuclear technologies and the support it provides to member states in leveraging these technologies.
“Türkiye, nükleer enerjinin güvenli, emniyetli ve barışçıl bir şekilde kullanılmasını sağlama hedefine tam olarak bağlı kalmaya devam ediyor ve UAEA ile yakın işbirliği yapmaya devam edecektir.” görüşünü paylaştı.
Bayraktar reiterated Turkey’s unwavering commitment to its collaboration with the Agency, stating, “We look forward to continuing our joint efforts to develop nuclear energy for prosperity worldwide.”
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