’S NUCLEAR ISSUE - THE PAST AND FUTURE DYNAMICS by Gizem Ebrar Özel

ABSTRACT energy future, the current state of energy re- sources and electricity generation should be overlooked and analyzed thoroughly so that “Turkey has had This article analyzes Turkey’s whole nuclear substantive analyses, suggestions, and con- issues in conjunction with nuclear history, clusions can be realized. plans to build a nuclear future plans, possible risks, scenar- plant ios, and suggestions as nuclear energy is a subject, which is of strategic and compre- Lignite, pit coal, asphaltite, oil shale, crude since the 1970s. A hensive character. Turkey has had plans to oil, natural gas, Uranium and Thorium are nuclear power has build a since the 1970s. all present as fossil resources whereas hydrau- A nuclear power has been a strategic aim for lic energy, geothermal energy, solar and wind been a strategic Turkey since then. All these years, restraints, power, and biomass energy all represent po- aim for Turkey since economic deficiencies, diplomatic troubles, tential renewable energy resources. Natural and technological deficiencies have delayed gas and lignite have a high rate in distribu- then.” Turkey’s nuclear targets and plans. Within tion of installed capacity of fossil fuel plants the last decade, economic growth and stable by resources as it can be seen from Figure development signified a new turn in terms of 1. Imported coal, fuel oil, and pit coal exist nuclear energy. The article aims to examine subsequently. When the energy source po- the utility of nuclear and to tential of Turkey is examined, it can be seen present whether or not nuclear energy might that lignite has highest potential with 12.5 offer an important solution for Turkey’s en- gigaton and pit coal follows it with 1.34 gi- ergy future. gaton. Renewable energy potential takes its “Lignite, pit coal, place as having a high rate in pie chart fol- asphaltite, oil shale, lowing these two fossil fuels. Wind power is TURKEY’S ENERGY RE- gradually expanding in capacity, mainly in crude oil, natural gas, SOURCES AND ELECTRICI- the Aegean and Marmara regions. Turkey has Uranium and Tho- reached to 6.6 GW of installed capacity as of TY GENERATION - GENERAL July 2016. Turkish government has a target rium are all present OUTLOOK to increase wind capacity tenfold by 2020. If as fossil resources the target reached, anticipated futurity ener- gy leader becomes the wind power. whereas hydraulic Turkey’s energy consumption and exports are rapidly increasing and this increase in energy, geothermal demand on energy makes all the issues stra- Renewable energy sources have a high share of energy supply in Turkey and especially energy, solar and tegical in terms of energy politics. The de- velopment of economy and finances places hydroelectric power accounts for about 35% wind power, and energy as a premium in political spheres. (as of July 2016) of the electricity demand. The percentage of solar energy power ca- biomass energy all Various factors affect both the demand and supply side of the global energy sector, where pacity is also continuously rising in that pie represent potential Turkey is one of the main actors on the con- chart. Turkey is located at a sufficient zone that makes it a sun-soaked country. The to- renewable energy sumer side. Consequently, economical devel- opments in Turkey are expected to continue tal yearly insulation period is approximately resources.” in the upcoming years and Turkey’s energy 2,460 hours per year and 7.2 hours per day. needs as well. In order to understand Turkey’s These qualities functionalize Turkey to be a great solar power. High solar energy poten-

ENERGY POLICY TURKEY Page 94 “Hydropower holds an important advan- tage on lower oper- ational costs, rather than its opponent thermal sources. It is perfectly superior to the rest of the sourc- es in terms of fuel cost, which is zero in hydro plants.”

Figure 1: Installed capacity percentages for electricity generation by sources in Turkey as of July 2016. (Source: TEIAS). tial and land availability give an opportuni- by the end of 2023.2 ty for solar energy to be the most important clean energy resource for Turkey as it has a If all energy resources and the markets are puissant demand in energy. The country also considered, it can be seen that nonrenewable develops its hydropower potential, which is resource reserves are utilized more compar- actually the only renewable source that is ca- ing to the renewable energy sources. Natural pable of providing huge amounts of renewa- gas has especially been the most used energy ble power. Hydropower holds an important resource in the electricity market in Turkey. advantage on lower operational costs, rath- Statistics show that its demand is expected er than its opponent thermal sources. It is to increase by 2.9% annually until 2020.3 “Statistics show perfectly superior to the rest of the sources In spite of this rising demand, Turkey has a in terms of fuel cost, which is zero in hydro limited natural gas production capacity. Nat- that natural gas plants. But, despite this advantage, and low ural gas production is operated in accordance demand is expected construction and labor costs, investments in with the Petroleum Law. Pursuant to the and operations of hydro plants in Turkey are statics of EMRA, the highest market share to increase by 2.9% lower compared to developed countries. Ge- in natural gas production belongs to Turkish annually until 2020. othermal energy is set to grow rapidly against Petroleum Corporation (TPAO).4 Moreover, hydropower. Turkey is one of the hottest Turkey sustains average of 98% of its nat- In spite of this rising markets for geothermal plants with its theo- ural gas consumption from the imports. It demand, Turkey has retical geothermal potential of 31,500 MWt can, thus, be said that Turkey is dependent according to Turkey’s Mineral Research and too much on foreign natural gas. However, a limited natural gas Exploration Agency (MTA). With this high thanks to its geostrategic location, Turkey resource potential, Turkey ranks 7th in the provides opportunities for investments in production capacity.” 1 world and 1st in Europe. Turkey has a po- pipeline projects such as TANAP. The similar tential for 1.000-2.000 MW but only 160 circumstances are true for the oil resources MW are currently installed and the govern- and markets as well. Turkey has a limited oil ment plans to have 600 MW more installed production capacity because of geographical

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“Turkey’s main en- factors that are extremely affected by active main energy suppliers are , Iran, Azer- fault systems. This situation makes the coun- baijan, Algeria, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia ergy suppliers are try poor of oil supplies and, for this reason, and Iraq with Russia and Iran being the big- Russia, Iran, Azerbai- all market activities such as refining, storage, gest suppliers. Turkey’s energy security axis distribution, and transmission depend on is, therefore, highly dependent on Russia jan, Algeria, Nigeria, imports (more than 90% of total liquid fuels and Iran. The reliability of these suppliers Qatar, Saudi Arabia being imported). Despite its terrestrial lack is a subject of argument in terms of energy of fossil fuel reserves, Turkey is well placed to diplomacy. Probable and mature disagree- and Iraq with Russia serve as a hub for oil and natural gas supply ments with these suppliers put energy securi- and Iran being the headed to Europe and other Atlantic mar- ty at risk. The formula to keep energy under kets from Russia, the Caspian region and the control is to highly diversify the suppliers. biggest suppliers.” Middle East.5 The country is located in be- Turkey is trying to find new suppliers to di- tween energy consumers and producers. Tur- versify its gas and oil supplies and signing key’s oil pipelines extend beyond 3,400 km long-term contacts with many countries like and are part of an international and domestic Nigeria, Egypt, Azerbaijan, and Turkmen- web. Turkey’s oil pipelines are of the utmost istan.8 These pursuits represent attempts to significance for Azerbaijan and Iraq since Ba- decrease dependency on the main suppliers ku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) and Kirkuk-Cey- and can be seen as the first step to achieving han are their main export outlets.6 The BTC, energy security. thus, allows Azerbaijan to become less de- pendent on Russia and Iran for its exports. The limited production from domestic “Despite the limit- Turkey’s geographical advantages might con- sources have resulted in a high dependency struct the regional energy web in and around on energy imports. Hence, (2) another im- ed production from the country. portant challenge for the country is high de- fossil fuel resources, pendency on imported fossil fuels. While the first problem was about the reliability of sup- Turkey’s demand is ANALYSIS OF THE ENERGY pliers, the second focuses on energy supply rapidly rising, caus- PROBLEM IN TURKEY varieties. Turkey’s domestic oil and gas pro- duction is insufficient to meet the country’s ing increase in oil Energy is an essential component of all eco- energy need. Despite the limited produc- and gas imports. nomic activity and the provision of all ser- tion, the country’s demand is rapidly rising, vices. Hence, preserving energy is one of causing increase in oil and gas imports. The The solution lies in the most vital actions for governments and solution lies in the diversification of ener- the diversification of energy security and thus it is linked with all gy sources. The rate of imported fossil fuels political activity. If we examine Turkey’s ac- must be decreased by adding more sources energy sources.” tions to provide energy security for present to the energy supply equation. In this sense, and future, the major problems appear as it can be said that creating an energy source to be fossil fuels as the country has limited mix is vital to solve the problem because de- reserves whereas infinite reserves are highly pendency on a single resource harbors both concentrated in certain regions in the World. economic and political risks. At this point, Middle Eastern countries and the Russian Turkey should evaluate its renewable energy Federation possess almost 70% of the world’s alternatives such as wind, solar, geothermal, oil and gas reserves.7 Thus, each parameter of and hydro and independent energy types like the energy security can be accepted as having nuclear. Without this type of energy formu- a direct connection with geographical distri- la, Turkey will be under risk of energy supply bution of energy resources and reserves. distribution and be volatile to energy prices.

Turkey’s energy security challenges can be Other challenges in terms of energy for Tur- classified into two main categories. (1) The key are energy saving and resources plan- above-mentioned energy supply problem ning. Energy saving is completely involved represents the first category here. Turkey’s with energy efficiency and storage capacity.

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It is generally understood as less consuming, environment. A little amount of Uranium, “The amount of loss though actually evaluating energy wastes and a raw material of nuclear energy, produces a and illegal electricity preventing energy loss.9 According to statis- great amount of clean energy and a small- tical analyses, Turkey can save up to 25% of er use of fossil fuels means lowering green- usage is higher than its energy consumption10 and this ratio can house gas emissions (like carbon dioxide and 20% and the average thus bring a remarkable acquisition for Tur- methane) that are largely responsible for the key’s economy. On top of that, the amount greenhouse effect. The most promotive fu- annual damage from of loss and illegal electricity usage is higher ture for nuclear energy is actually reliability. these represents a than 20% and the average annual damage Traditional sources of energy like solar and from these represents a big deficiency for the wind require sun or wind to produce ener- big deficiency for the economy. Moreover, the economic measures gy. They need fertile dates. However, nuclear suggest that storage is a big problem. Energy energy doesn’t require a special time. Nuclear economy.” storage provides short-term security against energy can be produced continuously from unexpected disruptions, accidents, sabotag- the plants even in case of rough weather con- es, and technical failures. For such reasons, ditions and the production can be provided Turkey generated its first underground stor- 7/24. Aside from these main advantages, nu- age facility in Silivri. Despite its functional- clear energy presents other benefits such as ity, capacity of the facility is not enough to powerful and efficient output, cheap electric- meet the demand against mentioned risks. ity, low fuel cost, economic advantages in set- Accordingly, Turkey should enhance its stor- ting up nuclear power plants, and easy trans- age capacity. portation. Optimal and minimal utilization of energy resources in generation is preferred Finally, possible and more valuable energy condition for any nation. The economic ad- resources should be discussed for Turkey’s vantages in favor of the countries prompt energy future. There are too many promi- to choose rational variants. From that point nent energy types for the solution like bio- of view, Turkey will be able to significantly fuels, GTL (Gas to Liquids), CTL (Coal to reduce energy bills due to the high rates of Liquids), Hydrogen, fuel cells, and nuclear production. As economic advantage, the raw energy. All these types offer advantages for materials import for nonrenewable energy “The most promotive Turkey. Non-conventional energy types are will be decreased accordingly. The amount future for nuclear mostly dependent on technical develop- of energy production depending on a vari- ments and economic structure comparing ety of raw materials addresses that raw ma- energy is actually to those of conventional energy resources. terial of nuclear power generates more elec- reliability. Traditional With all these keys mentioned above, it can tricity than any other raw materials. TAEK be understood that nuclear energy is one of provides figures on electricity generation by sources of energy the most common solutions for countries types of raw materials as follows: 1000 gram like solar and wind that aim to succeed energy security. Turkey coal produces 3 kWh electricity, 1000 gram has many reasons to go nuclear. It is an un- oil produces 4 kWh electricity, 1000 gram require sun or wind deniable fact that nuclear power is the main Uranium produces 50,000 kWh electricity. to produce energy. source of energy in some of the major devel- The figures prove that nuclear materials are oping countries in the world.11 In this regard, a highly efficient source to produce energy They need fertile France will make of a good example thereby, at a very little cost. These figures are given dates. However, nu- generating %75 of its electricity from nucle- on Figure 2. ar energy. France now claims a substantial clear energy doesn’t level of energy independence and almost the require a special time lowest cost electricity in Europe.12 Nuclear Uranium, Thorium and specifically their cer- technology can have an important role to tain isotopes are called radioactive raw ma- and can be produced terials that are used as resources in nuclear enable an increase in the share of renewable continuously.” energy sources as well as fossil fuels to meet a plants. Uranium is considered as the main more sustainable energy mix demand.13 raw material of nuclear fuel and today, it is commonly consumed as fuel in nuclear Nuclear energy has the lowest impact on the power plants. To use Uranium in electricity

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“The cost of solar power is now cheap- er by 80%, and wind power by 30%. IEA estimates that 60% of energy investments globally in the next 25 years will be on renewable energy sources.”

Figure 2: Comparison on electricity generation by types of raw materials. (Source TAEK).

generation, U235 isotope, which has ability is 0.21% that totals to 380,000 tons.14 Most “According to Gen- of divisibility (fissile material) of Uranium, of the radioactive raw material reserves are must be occurred with enrichment process. situated in the western parts of Turkey. The eral Directorate of If Thorium is not a fissile material, it cannot largest known Uranium bed is located in Ko- Mineral Research be just used alone. It requires a neutron and prubasi area, Manisa. Thorium bed lays in a fissile material like U233 isotope to be able Beylikahir, near Eskisehir-Sivrihisar region. and Exploration’s to use as nuclear fuel. According to General (MTA) technological Directorate of Mineral Research and Explo- ration’s (MTA) technological and scientific and scientific works ORIGINS OF TURKEY’S NU- works and findings since 1958, there is quite CLEAR HISTORY and findings since important radioactive raw material reserves in Anatolia. See Figure 3 for reverse distribu- 1958, there is quite tion of nuclear materials. Turkey’s Uranium The world has stepped into nuclear age on important radioactive reserves has 0.07% rate that equals to 9,129 December 20th, 1942 by realizing self-feed- 15 tons. The Thorium potential of the country ing chain reactions. This age was going to raw material reserves in Anatolia.”

Figure 3: Turkey’s Radioactive Raw Materials Map. (Source: TAEK).

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“Today, the world meets 11% of its energy needs from nuclear energy and this number is 21% for OECD countries.”

Figure 4: Nuclear electricity production in the World. (Source: World Nuclear Association). bring too many alterations to Earth and this power plants like the Mersin NPP. All these nuclear movement has affected a lot of coun- plans were delayed not any less than eight- tries. The movement changed the meaning of fold between June 1998 and April 2000.17 power and security, so that obtaining power The abandonments of these plans were about meant obtaining nuclear for some countries economic conditions and unsteady politic and security meant national responsibilities circumstances. In 2006, the government an- and international obligations. If we want nounced that it had planned to have three “Turkey’s nuclear to look at nuclear history and the changes nuclear power plants built. Sinop and Ak- history shows us that it has brought, we must also look at where kuyu in Mersin were chosen cities to host the we stand now. Today, the world meets 11% nuclear power plants (See Figure 5). Turkey there were several of its energy needs from nuclear energy and has thus concluded two of the three planned attempts to build this number is 21% for OECD countries.16 regions. Drafts passed the parliament in 2007 A graphic chart showing the world’s nucle- and subsequently, a civil nuclear cooperation power plants like the ar electricity production throughout years is agreement was signed with the USA in 2008. Mersin NPP. All these given in Figure 4. In the same year, TETAS (Turkey Electric- ity Trading and Contracting Co.) called for plans were delayed offers and TAEK (Turkish Atomic Energy not any less than Like all affected countries, Turkey also want- Authority) issued specifications for the first ed to come in contact with the nuclear age. NPP in Akkuyu. Only one bid was received eightfold between Along with the constantly changing parame- from 14 interested parties and TAEK and June 1998 and April ters, the country has been generating strate- (Russian Nuclear Energy Cor- gic plans to possess nuclear energy since the poration) signed the agreement for the Aes- 2000. The aban- feasibility studies conducted in the 1970s. 2006 NPP. In the following years, the other donments of these After the denomination of nuclear plans, nuclear cooperation agreement was signed Turkey decided to build its first nuclear re- with in June 2010 and then two plans were about actor with a 80 MW capacity in 1973. The such agreements with in April 2012. economic conditions intended address was the city of Mersin, li- In May 2010, Russian and Turkish head of censed for NPP (Nuclear Power Plant) in states signed a 20 billion USD intergovern- and unsteady politic 1976. However, that plan failed because of mental agreement to build the Akkuyu NPP. circumstances.” lack of financial guarantees by the Turkish The decision was for Rosatom to finance the government. Turkey’s nuclear history shows project. Following all the agreements and in- us that there were several attempts to build tergovernmental contracts being signed, start

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“From Turkey’s historical data, it is understood that the country’s motivation for nuclear power is triggered by the

energy dependency Figure 5: Nuclear power plants planned to be built in Turkey. (Source: Google). mentioned in the of the Akkuyu’s construction is expected at 4th section and the OVERVIEW OF NUCLEAR the end of 2016, Sinop in 2017, and the last changing dynamics determined region for the third NPP is de- POWER POLICY IN TURKEY cided to be in Igneada, Kıklareli in 2019. of the world.” Turkish energy policy can be summarized in six main topics that shapes the three objec- From Turkey’s historical data, it is understood tives of the Ministry of Energy and Natural that the country’s motivation for nuclear Resources (MENA). power is triggered by the energy dependency mentioned in the 4th section and the chang- 1. Minimize the dependency on the supply ing dynamics of the world. Turkey’s rapidly of energy sources from foreign countries. growing energy demand requires an imme- 2. Diversify of energy sources and routes. diate solution and Turkish policymakers are determined that solution can be nuclear en- 3. Increase the rate of domestic and renew- ergy. The nuclear security issue is considered able energy sources. by the Turkish government along with nu- “Turkey’s peaceful clear supply advantages that the country has. 4. Generation, transmission, and consump- stance and aim clear Ankara is one of the parties that signed the tion of energy efficiency. Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear doubts about any Weapons, the Comprehensive Test Ban Trea- 5. Increase state’s and private industry’s ca- struggles caused ty, the Wassanaar Arrangement, the Missile pabilities under a liberalized energy mar- Technology Control Regime, the Zangger kets framework. by possible uses Committee, the Nuclear Suppliers Group, 6. Activate policies that enforce measures to of nuclear power in and the Treaty banning nuclear tests in the provide Turkey’s energy demand in a safe Atmosphere and so on.18 This active diplo- military activities as manner. matic support for international nonprolifera- noted by the nuclear tion accounts Turkey as a reliable country for the uses of nuclear power. Turkey’s peaceful The main aim of these strategies is meant to authority.” stance and aim clear doubts about any strug- ensure the supply security, competitiveness, gles caused by possible uses of nuclear power and sustainability. Under these circumstanc- in military activities as noted by the nuclear es, it’s very easy and strategic to reach nucle- authority. ar energy as a reliable solution. The essential

ENERGY POLICY TURKEY Page 100 TURKEY’S NUCLEAR ISSUE - THE PAST AND FUTURE DYNAMICS disputes in Turkey’s nuclear energy is com- Some countries changed their minds about “The nuclear indus- pletely about nuclear risks. nuclear, while some proceeded with their try is surrounded plans by making improvements. As for Tur- key, the country has not changed its nuclear by a variety of risks The nuclear industry is surrounded by a va- agenda. riety of risks related to safety, operation, fi- related to safety, op- nance, and strategy. All the risks that might eration, finance, and threaten Turkey’s nuclear program can be In spite of all the potential risks, Turkey has classified in five categories: rich Uranium and Thorium reserves as men- strategy.” tioned above. This big and vital advantage, 1. Political. along with other above-mentioned ener- gy problems all are dragging Turkey to this 2. Regulatory. compulsive nuclear power. However, nuclear 3. Commercial and financial. is also related to authorities and other coun- tries, as well as Turkey’s domestic decisions. 4. Safety. In that sense, conjunctures should be looked at to ensure the process. Iran was a key actor 5. Public risks. for countries newly stepping into nuclear. The nuclear deal between Iran and the West generated a new circle, thus the mainstream The most significant of these risks is certain- suspicions on Turkey was mostly eliminated. ly the political one, since the loose interna- Therefore, the proliferation domino theory tional diplomacy can be altered at the least was under control. If we look at the IAEA expected moment. For instance, the conflict (International Atomic Energy Agency)’s con- between Turkey and Russia following the clusion about Turkey, additional protocols airspace incident changed the Akkuyu NPP’s can be seen. Turkey’s nuclear activities have fate and we cannot talk about absolute pro- been subject to a comprehensive IAEA safe- gress for the future. guards agreement since 1982. That long pro- cess is shaped by two causes. “In spite of all the po- Another significant risk is regulatory, since national safety requirements, site permit re- • First, the bilateral nuclear cooperation tential risks, Turkey quirements, reactor licensing requirements, between Turkey and Pakistan in the has rich Uranium and safety requirements, discharge authoriza- 1980s.20 According to the USA, these tions, hate management, storage transport, were corrupt trade relationships between Thorium reserves as and disposal requirements all need to be the two countries. The investigations mentioned above. clearly specified as part of the regulatory went on until Turkey finally took meas- framework.19 In that sense, the most substan- ures for a crackdown. This big and vital ad- tive fact is prudential, well-though regulato- • Second, the IAEA’s drilling into front- vantage, along with ry works. Commercial and financial risks de- end materials processing and experi- pend on the company that runs the project. menting. Despite all the suspicions and other above-men- If an example needs to be mentioned, we can investigations, the IAEA found no evi- tioned energy prob- look at Akkuyu’s financier, Rosatom. The dence of any undeclared or clandestine company’s commitment and financial risks, nuclear activity.21 The IAEA asked ques- lems all are drag- thus, indirectly represents Russia’s commit- tions about centrifuges to Turkish sci- ging Turkey to this ment and risks. This is why financial risks entists and still did not find any nuclear are involved with diplomatic risks. Safety latency. compulsive nuclear risk is concerned with engineering process. power.” The most dangerous disadvantage of nuclear energy is without a doubt the radioactivity The conclusion then ended with; “... no indi- issue. After the 1986 Chernobyl and 2011 cations have been found by the IAEA that, in Fukushima incidents, the nuclear reactor its judgement, would constitute a safeguard technology was immediately controlled. concern.”

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After all the historical arguments in Turkey, er, yet. The country thus needs to use all en- nuclear policies must include reliability and ergy sources. The hazardous energy sources “Suggestions for technical steps should take the safety of the are fossil fuels like coal and oil and the envi- world, thus, not be allowed the energy at- ronmentalist argument must actually oppose nuclear power are titude that creates insecurity in the region. fossil fuels since these are more polluting and mostly related to per- Possible scenarios and constructive critics on damaging than nuclear energy. Thirdly, it is security issues as like “Long term reliability important to prove the good intention be- ception management. of the factors that kept Turkey from acquir- hind the use of nuclear. It must be asserted Adverse opinions ing nuclear weapons” should be considered that nuclear would supply all energy needs for stable and reliable energy policy. and all investments are for technology to must arise to clearly generate electricity. These arguments for and increase awareness against nuclear power should be considered POLICY SUGGESTIONS AND by the authorities because this perception about breaking the CONCLUSIONS management can bring the end of public taboos on nuclear.” risks. Nuclear fuel and waste management hold an important place in suggestions. Tur- Turkey as a middle power in Eurasia has some key has improved nuclear cooperation rela- aspiring purposes for the future. The Turk- tions in terms of policy. Safety and security ish government aims to become a regional should also be processed in a synchronized power in the Middle East. That essential aim way in order to ensure reliable nuclear energy concerns the energy sector and policy. The areas. objective of becoming a regional power then turns into becoming a transit country for en- As a result, Turkey’s energy demand is rapid- ergy policy issues. That strategic future goal ly rising and the energy security problem is requires some professional decision making surviving with all remarkable effects. Thus, to be achieved and nuclear power is, thus, a solutions should be immediately rearranged very important step towards the realization for a reinforced energy future. Turkey lacks “Turkey lacks domes- of the Turkish objective. domestic energy reserves and this fact causes a dependency on energy imports, accompa- tic energy reserves Suggestions can be gathered under the man- nied by supply security risks. The national and this fact causes agement process. Nuclear energy requires and local formula seems more likely to be nuclear power. In that sense, nuclear energy a dependency on robust management and control systems. These are not completely about policy, thus offers a powerful solution and has many ben- energy imports, ac- the technical containment needs engineer- efits for Turkey. companied by supply ing suggestions. In that sense, the sugges- tions for nuclear power are mostly related security risks. The In this aspect, nuclear energy appears to be to perception management. Adverse opin- one of the most efficient and effective solu- national and local ions must arise to clearly increase awareness tions. Turkey has rich Thorium reserves and about breaking the taboos on nuclear. Ener- this fortune must not be omitted as men- formula seems more gy authors and the Ministry should labor on tioned above. likely to be nuclear nuclear as a future energy source for Turkey. Arguments against nuclear power mostly in- power. In that sense, clude unsafety. This thesis must be changed REFERENCES nuclear energy offers into a perception of safe nuclear energy. This argument can be supported with the latest 1 a powerful solution Orhan Mertoglu, Sakir Simsek, Nilgun Basarir generation of nuclear reactor designs that are “Geothermal Country Update Report of Turkey and has many bene- getting safer every day. Another argument (2010-2015)”,Melbourne, Australia, 19-25 April against nuclear is about supporting renew- 2015. fits for Turkey.” able energy. Though renewable energy is indeed environmentalist, renewable energy 2 http://www.mfa.gov.tr/turkeys-energy-strategy. supplies aren’t able to take over nuclear pow- en.mfa (data accessed on 22 April 2016)

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