ISLAMABAD: Turkey has formally entered the global nuclear energy race withan ambitious plan to develop small modular reactor (SMR) technology,marking a significant expansion of its technological capabilities beyondthe defence sector. Baykar, the Turkish aerospace and defence company bestknown for its Bayraktar TB2 combat drones that gained worldwide attentionduring recent conflicts, has begun research and development on a40-megawatt prototype SMR, according to statements from senior officialsand industry sources.
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced that Ankara aims to generate5,000 megawatts of electricity from SMRs by 2050 as part of a broaderstrategy to diversify energy sources and reduce dependence on importedfossil fuels. The minister revealed that the government is preparing apackage of incentives to encourage private sector participation in nuclearenergy projects, including tax exemptions and streamlined regulatoryapprovals for qualified investors.
Turkey’s pursuit of nuclear technology is bolstered by its substantialthorium reserves, estimated to be among the largest in the world. Unliketraditional uranium-based reactors, thorium-fuelled systems are consideredsafer and produce less long-term radioactive waste, making them anattractive option for emerging nuclear nations. Officials have indicatedthat future SMR designs may incorporate thorium, potentially positioningTurkey as a pioneer in next-generation nuclear fuel cycles.
The involvement of Baykar represents a notable convergence of defence andenergy expertise. The company, which transformed modern warfare throughcost-effective unmanned aerial systems, now seeks to apply its engineeringprowess to the energy sector. Industry observers note that Baykar’s entrycould accelerate domestic innovation and reduce reliance on foreign reactorsuppliers, particularly from Russia and Western consortiums that havedominated Turkey’s existing nuclear projects.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Turkey’s first large-scale facilitycurrently under construction by Russia’s Rosatom, has faced delays andcriticism over technology transfer. The SMR initiative offers analternative path that prioritises indigenous development and private-sectorleadership. Although still in early stages, the 40-megawatt prototype couldserve as a proof-of-concept for wider deployment across the country’senergy grid.
The announcement comes amid growing international interest in SMRs, withnations including the United States, Britain, and China investing heavilyin compact, factory-built reactors that promise faster construction andenhanced safety features. Turkey’s ambitious timeline and private-sectorapproach distinguish its programme within this competitive landscape.
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Source:https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-baykar-drones-small-modular-reactors-nuclear
Tags: Turkey, Baykar, SMR, Nuclear, Thorium, Energy
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