Turkish Minister Unveils Plan to Build Nuclear Power Plants

Jun 18 - BBC Monitoring European

Energy Minister Hilmi Guler keeps a dossier about the nuclear power plants in the world in his special drawer and carries it in his briefcase, because the ruling Justice and Development Party is about to make a decision to build a nuclear power plant. It is using the dossier to evaluate available data about the nuclear power plants in other countries. It could eventually decide to build several nuclear power plants rather than one.

I had the opportunity to converse with Guler for almost an hour two days ago [14 June]. We spoke about a number of issues, including electricity, natural gas, irrigation, the GAP [Southeastern Anatolia Project], and finally nuclear power plants.

There will be a shortage in 2020

Guler first noted that Turkey should use nuclear energy, and then explained the reasons why: "We will face a power shortage in 2020. Even if we use our national resources fully, we will need imported coal, natural gas and electricity to meet the national demand in 2020. They will all need to be imported. Nuclear power plants are, therefore, absolutely necessary."

No site has yet been selected to build a nuclear power plant, which is typically constructed in six to seven years. International permissions and licenses will be necessary in addition to loans. Besides, Turkey must select a specific technology. Finally, the Turkish public will have to be convinced that nuclear power plants are necessary.

There are 440 nuclear power plants worldwide

When I heard him speaking about nuclear power plants, I paused for a moment. I thought about its potential risks to environment and human health. Besides, Turkey is located on an earthquake belt. Those were the first risks that came to my mind.

Guler responded: "Japan is also located in a region prone to earthquakes, but it has many nuclear power plants. Besides, they were built on the coast. Take a look at these pictures!"

He showed me some photographs he had taken from his dossier on nuclear power plants, which included pictures of some power plants built in Japan, Canada, France and Germany in addition to those located on the coast.

There are 440 power plants in the world. In addition, 31 others are currently under construction. Guler went on to say: "Of course we are assessing all the risks, including earthquakes, harmful effects on environment. Its construction will start after all necessary precautions have been taken and all the question marks in our minds have been eliminated."

The question is when and where it will be built.

A strategic document

A document entitled "Strategic Document on Energy" will offer answers to those two questions. Guler commented: "The location of the power plant and the date of commencement of its construction will be specified in that strategic document, which we are currently working on. An international request for proposals will be issued after getting the Cabinet's approval."

The draft document is almost complete. Besides, Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been informed and he insists that the project be launched as soon as possible.

It is an issue open to serious debate due to its possible risks and contributions to national power supply.

Israel's involvement in GAP

Responding to my question about the GAP, Guler said: "The project was occasionally hindered in the past due to lack of funds. Now, it is moving on schedule. Many countries are interested in the GAP. For example, we are working on some joint projects with Israel."

Given that Ankara has sharply criticized Israel due to the Palestinian war, how could there be joint projects between the two countries? Guler replied: "Those are two separate issues. We may take a certain political stand, but it would not obstruct our joint commercial projects." [Passage omitted]