Turkish market found attractive for SMR technology

Justin Friedman, Senior Advisor for Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of State, stated in his remarks that the U.S. possesses significant experience in nuclear energy and SMR technology, and that they have been transferring this expertise to many countries, including Poland, the Czech Republic, Romania, and Bulgaria.

Noting that they worked in detail with energy sector officials in both the U.S. and Turkey last year, particularly in the field of SMRs, Friedman reported that any country with coal-fired power plants could use SMR technologies as an alternative to coal in their net-zero emission targets, and that SMRs can provide cleaner, easier-to-install, low-cost, and uninterrupted energy compared to other baseload energy sources.

Emphasizing that SMRs can also be used to strengthen existing electrical systems, Friedman stated the following:

"Existing electrical grids can be improved at lower costs with SMRs. The greatest advantage of SMRs is that they provide convenience in many applications. For example, in the petrochemical sector, where energy demand is high, uninterrupted electricity can be met with SMRs. In the EU, nuclear energy has been classified as one of the clean sources needed for the transition in green taxonomy. Demand for small modular reactors will increase globally. A baseload energy source is needed for a healthy energy system, and it is possible to achieve this with SMRs. Our discussions regarding SMR technology in Turkey are proceeding quite productively. Many U.S. firms are interested in the Turkish market."

Expressing that they have been meeting with industry representatives in Turkey, Friedman conveyed that during this trip, he observed that many Turkish companies providing services and technology to the nuclear industry want to develop their roles in this field.

Pointing out that market conditions in Turkey are favorable for SMRs and that opportunities are open for evaluation, Friedman continued:

"I mentioned in a meeting this morning that 'the early bird catches the worm.' This is a very accurate approach. A lot has changed from a year ago to today. I believe that the cooperation between Turkey and the U.S. in the nuclear field will have positive reflections on the energy market. As opportunities arise, greater things can be achieved. I can see that the opportunities are still ready for both countries. Some things may need to be accelerated for SMRs."

Friedman recalled that the importance of nuclear energy emerged at the 28th Conference of the Parties (COP28) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Dubai, and that 22 countries, including the U.S., agreed to triple their nuclear energy capacity from current levels and increase cooperation.

Drawing attention to the fact that following these developments, the U.S. is offering financing opportunities through the U.S. EXIM Bank to countries that want to work specifically on SMR technologies, Friedman noted the following:

"The financing opportunities offered by the U.S. for SMR technology will be provided in the context of cooperation with the U.S., as SMR technologies are developed. This was an important development. On the other hand, the 'Sapporo Five' group, formed by the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Japan, will work on the secure supply of nuclear energy and enriched uranium that can fuel all reactors. This was one of the most important moves of COP28. Nuclear energy is seen as a solution for countries dependent on Russia for energy. Especially in Europe, SMRs will come to the fore as more reliable energy supplies to replace coal-fired power plants closed under net-zero emission targets."

News Source: AA

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