Nuclear Power Program in Turkey as a Nuclear Newcomer Country

Abstract

Turkey's interest in pursuing a nuclear power program can be attributed to the necessity to meet the country's fast expanding electricity consumption while also assisting economic development. Turkey, as a nuclear newcomer country and a member of the global nonproliferation regime, has been interested in civilian nuclear technology since 1970s. Despite substantial development in domestic energy output, Turkey still relies heavily on imported energy. In this regard, diversification of resources to generate electricity presents significant importance for the country. 
 Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project proposes a unique concept for the construction of the country's first NPP with its own model (BOO model). The paper examines Turkey's electricity demand, the motivations for pursuing nuclear energy, and the substance of the parties' intergovernmental agreement for the BOO madel. Finally, as a nuclear newcomer country, the significance of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NRA) in the framework of the domestic legal law and international nuclear law is emphasized.