* Between 1970-1980 the population refer to census results. Between 1990-2005, mid-year population are estimated based on Address Based Population Registration System. The population in 2008 is based on Address Based Population Registration System

** Urban population is taken as city population (province and district centers) that is based on census result, between 1970-2000. City population in 2008 is based on Address Based Population Registration System

Source: TurkStat

1.1.4. Economic data

Table 2 shows the historical trend of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP was 741.75 billions of current US$ and GDP/capita was 10436 current US$/capita in 2008.

*GDP and GDP per capita are according to the new base year (1998) for 2000-2008 years

*GDP and GDP per capita were according to the 1987 base year for 1970,1980 and 1990

Source: Turkish Statistical Institute

1.2. Energy Information

1.2.1. Estimated available energy

Hydro and Other Renewable (geothermal, solar and wind) values given as their maximum available potentials

Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

1.2.2. Energy Statistics

1.2.3. Energy Policy

The Turkish energy policy is concentrated on the assurance of energy supply in a reliable, sufficient, timely manner, in economic and clean terms and in a way to support and orientate the targeted growth and social developments. In parallel to this ultimate target, energy policy of Turkey has the following major pillars:

• Prioritizing the energy security related activities in order to cope with increasing demand and import dependency,
• Taking into account the environmental concerns in all stages of the energy chain within the framework of sustainable development,
• Facilitating the reform and liberalization activities in the energy sector so as to increase the overall productivity and efficiency, and to enhance the transparency through creating the competitive framework,
•  Intensifying energy technologies related R&D studies and activities,
• Realization of projects regarding the transportation of hydrocarbons through the recognition of “East–West” and “North-South” Energy Corridors and Terminals concepts.

Policy issues related to energy are within the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR). Energy planning studies, taking into account short, medium and long term policies and measures, carried out by the MENR, within the framework of the above listed objectives.

Achieving 3Es (energy-economy-environment) has become a crucial challenge for the Turkish energy sector, in parallel to the growing demand and investment needs. Market liberalization has tended to improve the overall economic efficiency, orientating the targeted growth. On the other hand, enhancing energy security and reliability within the competitive market structure is one of the main challenges that require determination and implementation of policy tools on a well-defined basis. Although environmental quality has been given high priority for the past few years, financial burden constituted by the implementation of necessary measures urges for more cost-effective approaches to be followed. Integrated approaches considering the achievement of 3Es in a sustainable manner have been taken into account in determining the policies.

Although almost all conventional resources exist in Turkey, these resources are not sufficient to meet the substantial growth in energy demand, except for lignite and hydro. Around 73% energy demand is being met through imports. Energy planning studies indicate that energy demand of the country will continue to increase in parallel with economic development, industrialization and urbanization. In this context, Turkey has been intensifying efforts for further diversification in primary energy sources, imports in both type and origin, technologies and infrastructures while accelerating the production and utilization of the remaining domestic resources potential and efficiency gains along the energy supply-demand chain.

Turkey became a party to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2004 based on the principles of “common but differentiated responsibilities”. The Law regarding the accession of Turkey to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was acceded by the Turkish Grand National Assembly in October 2003 and entered into force on 24 May 2004. Studies are underway for the first National Communication to be submitted to the UNFCCC Secretariat. Kyoto Protocol was ratified by the Turkish Parliament February 5th, 2009. Improvement of energy efficiency, larger utilization of renewable sources, deployment of clean coal technologies and introduction of nuclear power are among the main strategies in addressing the challenges within the energy-environment linkage.

As of its geographical location Turkey has been considered as a natural land bridge, connecting Europe to Asia. Therefore, Turkey has an important role to play as an “Energy Corridor and Terminal”, between the major oil and natural gas producing countries in the Middle East and Caspian Sea and the demanding markets.

1.3. The Electricity System

In parallel to the economic growth and social development, electricity demand has shown a significant increase over the past decades and reached to 194 TWh by the end of 2009, highlighting an almost 2.5 times increase over the past fifteen years.

Turkey has coal, mostly lignite, and hydro resources for electricity generation. Roughly 35% of the total indigenous potential has been utilized until 2008. Turkey attaches utmost importance for utilization of the remaining potential with due regard to cope with the risks stemming from import dependency. Integration of nuclear power plants into the Turkish electricity grid is also being considered as an essential tool to enhance supply security, while strengthening the GHG emission mitigation efforts.

The Electricity Market Law (Law No: 4628) was enacted in 2001 so as to establish a competitive market structure in electricity sector under autonomous supervision and regulation of the Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EMRA). The Market model is based on bilateral contracts supplemented by a Balancing and Settlement Mechanism. The secondary legislation governing the electricity market has been issued by EMRA. As of January 2009, 50% of market opening had been achieved.

Electricity Market and Security of Supply Strategy Paper has been approved by High Decision Council on 18th May 2009 as a road map towards a fully competitive electricity market structure. Strategy Paper draws the essential elements for ensuring security of supply and enhancing competitiveness in the rapidly growing electricity market of Turkey. According to the Strategy Paper, share of electricity produced from renewable sources in total electricity generation mix is projected to be at least 30% by 2023.

The Strategy Paper also states that new interconnection lines will be set up and capacity of existing interconnection lines will be upgraded so as to advance electricity import and export potential with neighboring countries. In this context, synchronous parallel operation with ENTSO-E (former UCTE) is the main priority. This is projected to be realized by 2010 and Turkey will become physically integrated to the EU internal electricity market.

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources is the main body of the Turkish energy sector and is responsible for the preparation and implementation of energy policies, plans and programs in co-ordination with its dependent and related institutions and other public and private entities. The Ministry is responsible for monitoring the security of electricity supply and for taking the measures regarding security of supply.

The state owned companies acting in the electricity sector are as follows:

- The Electricity Generation Company (EÜAÞ) is the state owned generation company responsible for operation of existing power plants owned by the public, and for new capacity additions as well as last resort in case the market fails to provide sufficient capacity to cover the demand.

- The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEÝAÞ) is the transmission system operator and is responsible for planning, installing and operating the transmission grid and preserving system security such that transmission constraints will be minimized, and for preparing generation capacity projection and 20-Year Long-Term Electricity Generation Development Plan.

- The Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company (TETAÞ) is the wholesale company established to offset the stranded cost element of the electricity market reform, and is responsible for electricity wholesales and purchases.

- The Turkish Electricity Distribution Corporation (TEDAÞ) is responsible for carrying out electricity distribution activities. The Strategy Paper endorsed by the High Planning Council in March 2004 envisages the privatization in the distribution segment of the electricity market, privatization of TEDAÞ into 20 regions.

- The State Water Works (DSÝ) is in charge of the planning, design and building of hydro plants as well as flood protection, irrigation, water supply to big cities and land drainage works.

Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

2. NUCLEAR POWER SITUATION

2.1. Historical development and current organizational structure

2.1.1. Overview

Studies to build a nuclear power plant in Turkey were started in 1965. Later, between 1967 and 1970, a feasibility study was undertaken by a foreign consultant company to build a 300-400 MW nuclear power plant. The nuclear power plant would have been in operation in 1977. However the project could not come to fruition because of problems related to site selection among other issues.

In 1973, the Turkish Electricity Authority (TEK) decided to build an 80 MWe prototype plant. However, in 1974 the project was cancelled for the reason that this project could delay the construction of a greater capacity nuclear power plant. Instead of this prototype plant, TEK had decided to build a 600 MWe NPP in southern Turkey.

Site selection studies were made in 1974 and 1975 and the Gülnar-Akkuyu location was found suitable for the construction of the first nuclear power plant. In 1976, the Atomic Energy Commission granted a site license for Akkuyu. In 1977, a bid was prepared and ASEA-ATOM and STAL-LAVAL companies were awarded the contract as the best bidders. Contract negotiations continued until 1980. However, in September 1980, due to the Swedish government's decision to withdraw a loan guarantee, the project was cancelled.

A third attempt was made in 1980. Three companies were awarded the contract to build four nuclear power plants (1 CANDU unit by AECL, 1 PWR unit by KWU in Akkuyu, and 2 BWR units by GE in Sinop). Due to Turkey's request to apply the Build Operate Transfer (BOT) model, KWU resigned from the bid. Although AECL accepted the BOT model, it insisted upon a governmental guarantee of the BOT credit. The Turkish government refused to give such a guarantee and as a consequence the project was cancelled.

In 1993, the Supreme Council for Science and Technology (BTYK) identified nuclear electricity generation as the project of third highest priority for the country. In view of this decision, the Turkish Electricity Generation and Transmission Company (TEAÞ) included a nuclear power plant project in its 1993 investment program. In 1995, TEAÞ selected the Korean KAERI as the consultant for the preparation of the bid specifications. The bid process started in 1996. Three consortiums (AECL, NPI and Westinghouse) offered proposals in 1997.

After a series of delays, in July 2000, the government decided to postpone the project.

Later on, the Law on Construction and Operation of Nuclear Power Plants and Energy Sale (Law No: 5710) was ratified and entered into force in November 21, 2007.

According to the Law, By-Law regarding the Principles, Procedures, and Incentives for the Contracts and the Contest which will be made within the context of Law on the Construction and Operation of Nuclear Power Plants and the Sale of the Energy Generated was published in the Official Gazette dated March 19, 2008. The purpose of the By-Law is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding the construction and operation of nuclear power plants for electrical energy production, and energy sale.

In accordance with this Law, Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) issued a set of criteria which establish general principles that should be met by the investors.

A competition for construction and operation of nuclear power plants and energy sale was held on 24 September 2008 by the Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company (TETAÞ) for constructing NPP units at the Akkuyu Site.

Only one consortium bid for the competition. After evaluation of the technical documents provided by the consortium, TAEK announced on 19 December 2008 that the offered nuclear power plant meets the TAEK criteria.

The last envelope, including energy sale unit price, given by the consortium on September 24, 2008 was opened by TETAÞ on January 19, 2009. After assessment, the competition performed on September 24, 2008 was canceled by TETAS on November 20, 2009.

2.1.2. Current organizational chart

The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (ETKB) is the main body of the Turkish energy sector and is responsible for the preparation and implementation of energy policies, plans and programmes in co-ordination with its dependent and related institutions and other public and private entities.

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has been established by Laws numbered 4628 and 4646. “Electricity Market Law” published in the Official Gazette dated March 3, 2001 is enacted to unbundle electricity market activities, enable progress into a liberalized electricity market and provide fair and transparent market regulation.

The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) is responsible for determining the basis of the national policy and the related plans and programs regarding the peaceful utilization of atomic energy; executing and supporting research, analysis and studies that might lead to nation’s scientific, technological and economical development related with the utilization of atomic energy; establishing research and training centers, laboratories, test facilities, pilot plants without electricity producing purposes wherever it is needed in the country; educating the personnel in the nuclear field and make cooperation with the universities and related organizations; giving approval, permission and license, related to the site selection, construction, operation of nuclear facilities; enlightening public in nuclear matters; and preparing and implementing the decrees and regulations to determine the basis for the nuclear and radiological safety. TAEK undertakes the research duty by performing experimental and theoretical studies at TAEK’s research centers and by making projects with the universities and other related organizations. The research infrastructure at the Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center of TAEK is especially devoted to the research and development activities addressing the issues for nuclear reactor and fuel technology.

The Ministry of Environment has jurisdiction for making assessment environmental assessment reports for power plants including nuclear.

The Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company (TETAÞ) is responsible for electricity wholesale sales and purchases.

2.2. Nuclear power plants: Overview

There are no nuclear power plants in operation, under construction or decommissioned.

2.3. Future development of nuclear power

Strategy Paper Concerning the Electricity Market and Security of Supply was approved by High Planning Council on May 18, 2009. According to the strategy paper, the share of nuclear in electricity generation is planned to reach minimum 5% by 2020 and a further increase in this share is planned in long term. In regard of the Law on Construction and Operation of Nuclear Power Plants and Energy Sale (Law No: 5710), nuclear power plant investment may be based on public, private or public-private partnership (PPP). The utilization of Sinop site along with Akkuyu (licensed in 1976) may lead further expansion of this capacity. The number of units will be based on type of reactor technology. The site evaluation for Sinop is continuing.

The NPP program will serve for electricity supply. Policy for nuclear fuel cycle will be determined in the progress of nuclear power development.

The Science and Technology Supreme Board (BTYK) is the main body that sets national policy and priorities for science and technology. BTYK has given decision on National Nuclear Technology Development Program (2007-2015) in 2007 that is being undertaken by TAEK. By this Program, a new nuclear technology center is planned to be established.

2.4. Organizations involved in construction of NPPs

Not Applicable

2.5. Organizations involved in operation of NPPs

Not Applicable

2.6. Organizations involved in decommissioning of NPPs

Not Applicable

2.7. Fuel cycle including waste management

Nuclear fuel pilot plant on refining of uranium concentrate to conversion to UO₂ and manufacturing of sintered pellets is in operation at the Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center (ÇNAEM) of TAEK since 1986. This pilot plant is subjected to IAEA safeguard. Presently research and development activities are focused on pellet manufacturing and characterization.

Waste management is currently limited to mainly radioactive waste arising from industrial and medical applications of nuclear technologies, and there is a facility for interim storage of these wastes. This storage facility was built up and has been operating since 1989 in the ÇNAEM. In this facility; compaction, cementation and precipitation processes have been carried out.

2.8. Research and development

2.8.1. R&D organizations

The nuclear policy of the country includes research and development activities concerning the application of nuclear technology in various sectors such as energy, environment, human health, industry, agriculture etc. Research and development activities on nuclear technology, including nuclear energy are performed by the following organizations in Turkey:

TAEK is the national authority responsible for research and development activities in nuclear energy and technology. TAEK has five departments and three research and training centers.

The bodies of TAEK are:

• The Atomic Energy Commission,
• The Advisory Committee,
• Advisory Committee on Nuclear Safety,
• The Specialized Departments:

- Nuclear Safety Department

- Radiation Health and Safety Department

- Technology Department

- Research, Development and Coordination Department

- Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs

• The Affiliated Centers:

- Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center

- Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center

- Turkish States Nuclear Cooperation Research and Training Center

The General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) is responsible for the systematic investigation and research on all kinds of resources including thorium and uranium.

Research and development activities in nuclear technology are performed by the related departments of some universities in Turkey.

2.8.2. International co-operation and initiatives

The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) is closely following the worldwide trends and progresses in the field of nuclear reactor technologies and fuel cycle, and Turkey is participating in the “International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactor Technologies and Fuel Cycles” coordinated by IAEA. Besides, TAEK participates and contributes to the studies and projects of the OECD/NEA working groups.

Turkey has an observer status for CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, which is the world’s leading laboratory for particle physics. All activities in Turkey are coordinated and sponsored by TAEK. Turkey is the member of another important international initiative, which is the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) and TAEK is the representing Authority in SESAME. The main objectives of Turkey are to establish qualified manpower by actively participating in the experimental programs in CERN and SESAME and to follow world-wide scientific progresses.

2.9. Human resources development

Some universities in Turkey have undergraduate and graduate programs in nuclear engineering field. TAEK is training the personnel in nuclear field at the affiliated research and training centers and making cooperation with the universities and related organizations on this matter. IAEA is one of the main supporting organizations for developing national manpower through training and fellowship programs.

2.10. Stakeholder communication

“Public Information Center” of TAEK was established in 2007, in Sinop. In this center, local public living in this region are informed about nuclear energy by using various materials, such as films, brochures, etc.

3. NATIONAL LAWS AND REGULATIONS

3.1. Regulatory Framework

3.1.1. Regulatory Authority

The Authority responsible from the enforcing nuclear safety is the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). TAEK is the main driving force for enhancing and broadening of all nuclear related activities in Turkey. Beside her other duties, TAEK undertakes all regulatory activities including licensing, drafting regulations, and performing inspections for nuclear facilities, nuclear materials and radioactive materials.

3.1.2. Licensing Process

The Nuclear Safety Department (NGD) of TAEK is the responsible unit for the evaluation of licensing applications of nuclear installations under the coordination and supervision of the Vice President of TAEK responsible for Nuclear Power and Safety. “Decree Pertaining to Issue License for Nuclear Installations” regulates the application requirements and procedures of licensing activities for all nuclear installations and for all stages. The licensing of nuclear facilities is composed of three main stages. The first stage is the Site License. The second stage is the limited work permit and the Construction License. Final stage is composed of commissioning permit, permit for fuel loading and start up tests and the Operating License.

NGD reviews, assesses and evaluates each application, prepares a report including the opinion of Advisory Committee on Nuclear Safety on application and submits to the Vice President, who conveys this report to the President of TAEK with an additional report of his/her own. The President of TAEK brings these reports to the Atomic Energy Commission (AEK) meeting for adoption. An affirmative decision of AEK is the License.

3.2. Main national laws and regulations in nuclear power

The 1982 Act (No. 2690, published in Official Gazette No. 17753 on 13 July 1982) established TAEK and superseded the former organization - the Atomic Energy Commission. The Act defines the structure of TAEK, the duties, responsibilities and jurisdiction of each unit. According to the Act, TAEK is the judicial organization for preparing the regulatory framework concerning radiation protection and nuclear safety.

Beside the Act mentioned above, TAEK issued two decrees concerning the licensing procedures of nuclear installations and radiation safety. “Decree Pertaining to Issue License for Nuclear Installations” (Official Gazette, No.18256, 19 December 1983) regulates the licensing procedures and necessary documents for license application.

There are thirteen regulations issued by TAEK regarding safety of activities related to nuclear installations, which cover issues like quality management in nuclear installations, inspection of nuclear installations, nuclear power plant site requirements, safety principles for nuclear power plants, safety principles for research reactors, physical protection, safeguards of nuclear materials, transport safety of radioactive materials and emergency preparedness and response. Guides and recommendations of the Atomic Energy Commission serve only for advisory purposes.

Several other regulations are in various stages of preparation, mainly on safety objectives and principles for nuclear installations, radiation protection in nuclear power plants, requirements on NPP personnel, safety principles of fuel cycle facilities, etc., which are drafted based on IAEA safety requirements.

Turkey recently changed the high enriched uranium fuel of TR-2 research reactor to low enriched uranium and shipped its spent nuclear fuel to US according to the agreement between the USA and Turkish Republic.

Regarding radioactive waste disposal, Turkey has enacted a Law no 5710 which requires all NPP operators to contribute to the National Decommissioning Fund and National Radioactive Waste Fund. Furthermore, a Nuclear Law in draft stage extends this responsibility to all nuclear installations and to all radioactive waste producers.

The list of issued regulations is as follows: