Minister Bayraktar Makes Important Visit to Romania Regarding Nuclear Technology

Minister Bayraktar visited the Cernavoda Nuclear Power Plant in Constanta, Romania. After receiving information at the plant, Minister Bayraktar inspected the reactor technology used there firsthand. 

Nuclear Power Is a Must 
Speaking after the visit, Minister Bayraktar stated that Türkiye aims to have a nuclear capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050. Minister Bayraktar said, “Nuclear power is an absolute necessity for us, both to ensure our country’s energy supply security and to achieve the ‘Net Zero Emissions by 2053’ target set by our President.”

A Critical Process
Noting that construction of four nuclear reactors is ongoing at Akkuyu, Minister Bayraktar said, “To reach the 20,000-megawatt target, Türkiye has power plants planned both in Sinop and in Thrace. In addition, there are small modular reactors. “Türkiye is currently in a critical phase. At this stage, we are conducting studies—particularly regarding technology selection for the power plants we will build after Akkuyu—to identify the technologies and countries with which we will partner and collaborate in this field,” he said.

CANDU Technology
Recalling that negotiations and collaborative efforts on this matter have been ongoing with China for many years, and that they have very recently begun working more intensively with South Korea as well as China, Minister Bayraktar stated, “We have also been engaged in a particularly intensive process of collaboration regarding nuclear technology in Canada in recent months. “In addition, to see the practical applications of this technology firsthand, we had the opportunity today to visit two reactors built using CANDU technology in Romania—a country very close to our own, which we can call our ‘neighbor,’ and with which we have excellent relations,” he added. 

Comprehensive and Holistic Approach
Minister Bayraktar stated, “Türkiye wants to acquire nuclear energy at competitive prices and make these investments, while also ensuring it has the safest technology. Regarding nuclear waste management and nuclear fuel supply, we hope to implement our second and third projects with a more comprehensive and holistic approach.”

Localization Takes Center Stage
Minister Bayraktar, noting that the meeting the Canadian company will hold with Turkish suppliers and equipment providers in late June or early July is also significant, said: “Because we want to have a nuclear power plant that is competitive, more affordable, safer, and at the same time has a high degree of localization. We are here today to advance our efforts in this regard.” 

Meeting with Compatriots
As part of his visits in Romania, Minister Bayraktar also participated in the “Meeting with Businesspeople and Compatriots Living in Constanta” program. Türkiye’s Ambassador to Bucharest, Özgür Kıvanç Altan, and Consul General in Constanța, Asiye Derya Dingiltepe, also attended the program. Addressing the Turkish community in Romania, Minister Bayraktar said, “You play a very important role here in the development and progress of this country, as well as in advancing bilateral cooperation with Türkiye. Your presence here, your activities, and the work you do make very important contributions to Romania’s economy and to its economic and social life.” 

We’re Behind You
Minister Bayraktar also conveyed a message of support to his compatriots, saying, “On behalf of all our institutions representing our state, I would like to state that we stand behind you in every matter, and as a very strong nation, we support you in every area and will continue to do so.”