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Türkiye partners with Danish firm to develop thorium nuclear tech
TR🏛️ PoliticsCenter9/7/2026

Türkiye partners with Danish firm to develop thorium nuclear tech

Turkey has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish nuclear technology firm Copenhagen Atomics to explore the use of Turkey's thorium resources in next-generation nuclear technologies. The agreement, facilitated by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), focuses on developing technologies for domestic thorium compound production and integrating them into advanced reactors like molten salt reactors. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel and position Turkey as an international supplier of thorium-based nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics specializes in modular molten salt reactor designs, such as the 'Onion Core' concept, which will be evaluated against Turkey's research and industrial capabilities. The partnership aligns with Turkey's broader strategy to expand nuclear energy alongside renewables, targeting 15 GW of conventional nuclear capacity and 5 GW of small modular reactor (SMR) capacity by 2050.

Türkiye has signed a memorandum of understanding with Copenhagen Atomics, a Danish nuclear technology firm, to explore the use of the country’s thorium resources in next-generation nuclear technologies. The agreement was announced on September 7 and was signed by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), an affiliate of the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry. The collaboration focuses on developing technologies that utilize thorium, including the domestic production of thorium compounds suitable for nuclear fuel. The initiative includes efforts to engage Turkish industrial and technological firms, along with researchers, in creating high-value nuclear technologies based on thorium. A key component of the agreement involves research and development aimed at producing thorium in forms appropriate for next-generation nuclear reactors, specifically molten salt reactors. The goal is to manufacture thorium compounds within Türkiye that meet nuclear fuel standards and position the country as an internationally competitive supplier in this field. Copenhagen Atomics is currently researching molten salt reactors, a fourth-generation reactor technology capable of utilizing thorium in the nuclear fuel cycle. The Danish company is focusing on a modular molten salt reactor concept known as "Onion Core." As part of the agreement, Copenhagen Atomics will evaluate the feasibility of applying this technology within Türkiye’s existing research infrastructure, human resources, and industrial capabilities. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized the significance of the agreement, noting that thorium is a prominent fuel option in Copenhagen Atomics' SMR technology. He highlighted that thorium is abundant in Türkiye and that using it could reduce reliance on imported fuels. Bayraktar stated that the cooperation could potentially result in a commercial product and noted that the focus on thorium made the partnership particularly important. Türkiye is expanding its nuclear energy capacity alongside renewable energy sources to achieve its net-zero emissions goals. In addition to the Akkuyu nuclear plant under construction, the government plans to construct large-scale power stations in Sinop and the Thrace region. The country aims to have 15 gigawatts of conventional nuclear capacity and 5 gigawatts of small modular reactor capacity by 2050. The agreement with Copenhagen Atomics marks a step forward in Türkiye’s pursuit of diverse nuclear technologies, with ongoing projects involving both public institutions and private investors. Over the coming years, it will become evident which of these technologies can move closer to commercialization.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 2 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

2 reports

Hurriyet Daily News logoHurriyet Daily NewsParty-alignedCenterFactual 86Objective 839/7/2026
Türkiye, Danish firm sign thorium technology agreement

Turkey's Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish firm Copenhagen Atomics to collaborate on thorium-based nuclear technologies. The agreement focuses on researching and developing thorium compounds suitable for molten salt reactors, with the goal of establishing domestic production and positioning Turkey as an international supplier. The collaboration involves Turkish industry, researchers, and engineers, and includes an assessment of Copenhagen Atomics' technology against Turkey's research infrastructure and industrial capabilities. The minister emphasized the potential for commercial applications and noted ongoing small modular reactor projects involving both public and private sectors.

Bias read (Center): The article presents the agreement between Turkey and a Danish firm as a collaborative scientific endeavor focused on technological advancement. It emphasizes the technical aspects of thorium research and does not take a clear ideological stance. While the topic relates to national energy policy, it

Why factuality (86): This article corroborates the key points from the Daily Sabah report, including the signing of the MOU, the involvement of TENMAK and Copenhagen Atomics, and the focus on thorium compounds for molten salt reactors. It includes additional details such as the location of the signing and quotes from th

Why objectivity (83): The article maintains a balanced tone, presenting both the government's perspective and the potential implications of the agreement. Quotes from officials are included but not overly emphasized, and the language remains professional without apparent bias.

Daily Sabah logoDaily SabahParty-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 829/7/2026
Türkiye partners with Danish firm to develop thorium nuclear tech

Turkey has signed a memorandum of understanding with Danish nuclear technology firm Copenhagen Atomics to explore the use of Turkey's thorium resources in next-generation nuclear technologies. The agreement, facilitated by the Türkiye Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), focuses on developing technologies for domestic thorium compound production and integrating them into advanced reactors like molten salt reactors. The collaboration aims to reduce reliance on foreign nuclear fuel and position Turkey as an international supplier of thorium-based nuclear technologies. Copenhagen Atomics specializes in modular molten salt reactor designs, such as the 'Onion Core' concept, which will be evaluated against Turkey's research and industrial capabilities. The partnership aligns with Turkey's broader strategy to expand nuclear energy alongside renewables, targeting 15 GW of conventional nuclear capacity and 5 GW of small modular reactor (SMR) capacity by 2050.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual account of a bilateral technological collaboration between Turkey and Denmark, focusing on nuclear energy development. There is no overt ideological slant or emphasis on partisan narratives. The framing remains neutral, highlighting technical aspects, strategic goals,和

Why factuality (85): The article provides detailed information about the agreement between Türkiye and Copenhagen Atomics, including the purpose of the collaboration, the role of TENMAK, and the technical aspects of thorium usage in nuclear reactors. While no primary source is available, the content aligns with the cros

Why objectivity (82): The tone remains neutral, focusing on the official statements from the ministry and the technical aspects of the collaboration. There is no overt bias or emotional language, though there is slight emphasis on the strategic importance of the agreement for Türkiye's energy goals.

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