The Republic of Turkey is a democratic, secular and social state. It is governed by the rule of law, bearing in mind the concepts of public peace, national solidarity and justice, respecting human rights, loyal to the nationalism of Atatürk, and based on the fundamental tenets set forth in the Preamble. Legislative power belongs to the Turkish Grand National Assembly (TGNA) on behalf of the Turkish Nation.

Turkey lies between Asia and Europe, serving as a bridge geographically, culturally and economically. Its land border has an overall length of 2,875 km. In the south, Turkey shares a 378 km border with Iraq and an 877 km border with Syria. In the west, it shares a 203 km border with Greece and a 269 km border with Bulgaria. In the east, Turkey borders on Iran for 529 km, Georgia for 276 km, Armenia for 312 km and Nakhichivan (Republic of Azerbaijan) for 18km.

Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, with the Mediterranean in the south, the Aegean in the west and the Black Sea in the north. The coastline exceeds 8,300 km. The two continents, Europe and Asia, are separated by the Dardanelles in the west and the Bosphorus Straits in the east.

Although Turkey is situated geographically where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diversity of the landscape, and the fact that mountain ranges run parallel to the coasts, result in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

Figure 1. Climate Diagram of Turkey (Source: Turkish State Meteorological Service, 2008)

The population in Turkey is about 77 million, and the population density is about 100 inhabitants per km² (Table 1). It is projected that the population of Turkey will reach about 84 millions in 2023.

TABLE 1. POPULATION INFORMATION

1.Results of General Population Censuses

2.Results of Adress Based Population Registration System referring to December 31, 2010.

3.Results of Adress Based Population Registration System referring to December 31, 2013.

Source: Turkish Statistical Institute

Table 2 shows the historical trend of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). GDP was 810 billions of current US$ and GDP/capita was 10,782 current US$/capita in 2013.

TABLE 2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

* old base year (1987)

Source: Turkish Statistical Institute

TABLE 3. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

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

1.Geothermal potential is equal to 0.0072 TWe

Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS (EJ)

Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

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

1.Prioritizing the energy security-related activities in order to cope with increasing demand and import dependency

2.Taking into account the environmental concerns in all stages of the energy chain, within the framework of sustainable development

3.Facilitating reform and liberalization activities in the energy sector, so as to increase the overall productivity and efficiency and to enhance the transparency through creating competitive framework

4.Intensifying energy technologies-related R&D studies and activities

5.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, are 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 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, requiring determination and implementation of policy tools on a well-defined basis. Although environmental quality has been given high priority for the past few years, the 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 74% of energy demand is met through imports. Energy planning studies indicate that Turkey’s energy demand 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 (diversifying 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 on 5 February 2009. Improvement of energy efficiency, larger utilization of renewable sources, deployment of clean coal technologies and the introduction of nuclear power are among the main strategies involved in addressing the challenges within the energy-environment linkage.

With regard to its geographical location, Turkey has been considered a natural land-bridge, connecting Europe to Asia. Turkey therefore 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.

In parallel to the economic growth and social development, electricity demand has shown a significant increase over the past decades, and reached 242 TWh by the end of 2012.

Turkey has coal (mostly lignite) and hydro resources for electricity generation. Roughly 41% of the total indigenous potential had been utilized by 2012. Turkey attaches utmost importance to the 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: 6446) was enacted in 2013, in order to conduct market operating activities in a more effective way, a new Corporation, the Energy Markets Operating Vorporation (EPIAS), has been introduced under the new law. The new Corporation has been welcomed by the sector and is considered a step forward for the liberalisation of the market. EPIAS will establish a stock exchange where a reference price may be determined, the generators foresee the prices for a long term, and electricity will be bought and sold. The market also expects EPIAS to pave the path for issuance of derivatives depending on power purchase contracts.

Electricity Market and Security of Supply Strategy Paper has been approved by High Decision Council on 18 May 2009, as a road map towards a fully competitive electricity market structure. The Strategy Paper draws together the essential elements for ensuring security of supply and enhancing competitiveness in the rapidly growing electricity market of Turkey. According to the Strategy Paper, the share of electricity produced from renewable sources in the 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 the capacity of existing interconnection lines upgraded, so as to advance electricity import and export potential with neighbouring countries. In this context, synchronous parallel operation with ENTSO-E (former UCTE) has been realized, and Turkey physically integrated to the EU internal electricity network. In addition to that new Electricity Market and Security of Supply Strategy Paper studies are carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.

Figure 2. Electricity Generation Distribution Depend on Energy Sources (Source: Turkish Electricity Transmission Company, 2013)

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 programmes, in co-ordination with its dependent and related institutions and other public and private entities. The Ministry is responsible for monitoring and taking measures regarding the security of electricity supply.

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

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

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

The Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company (TETAS) 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 (TEDAS) is responsible for carrying out electricity distribution activities. The Strategy Paper, endorsed by the High Planning Council in March 2004, envisages privatization in the distribution segment of the electricity market. Accordingly, in 2011, privatization of TEDAS was completed.

The State Water Works (DSI) 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.

Figure 3. The General Structure of the Existing Electricity Sector in Turkey

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

Source: TEIAS (Turkish Electricity Transmission Company)

TABLE 6. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

Source: Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources

Turkey has had plans for establishing nuclear power generation since 1970. In order to meet the increasing domestic demand for energy and reduce dependency on energy imports, various initiatives were undertaken in the past to build Turkey’s first nuclear power plant.

Regarding the nuclear history of Turkey, 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. This 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 and 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 Nuclear Power Plant in southern Turkey.

Site selection studies were made in 1974 and 1975, and the Gulnar-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 consequently the project was cancelled.

In 1993, the Supreme Council for Science and Technology 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 (TEAS) included a nuclear power plant project in its 1993 investment program. In 1995, TEAS 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.

In July 2000, after a series of delays, 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 21 November 2007.

Regulation regarding the Principles, Procedures, and Incentives for the Contracts and the Contest that 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 19 March 2008. The purpose of the Regulation is to regulate the procedures and principles regarding the construction and operation of nuclear power plants for electrical energy production, and to regulate energy sale.

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

A competition for construction and operation of nuclear power plants and energy sale was held on September 24, 2008, by the Turkish Electricity Trading and Contracting Company (TETAS), for the construction of Nuclear Power Plants (NPP) units at 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 met the TAEK criteria.

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

Figure 4. Location of NPP sites

Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant

Direct negotiations with the Russian Federation to build a nuclear power plant near on Akkuyu site in Turkey started in February 2010, and concluded with an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) based on Build, Own, Operate (BOO) Model. The agreement was signed on 12 May 2010. It has been aimed at building nuclear capacity in Turkey through mutual co-operation, ranging from nuclear 4 power plant construction and operation in Akkuyu-Mersin, to technology transfer and decommissioning.

For the implementation phase of the project, a project company, Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Electricity Generation Joint-Stock Company (Akkuyu Project Company, APC), was established in December 13, 2010. On 7 February 2011, TAEK recognized APC as the owner, according to the Decree on Licensing of Nuclear Installations.

In 2011, Akkuyu site, with the existing site license, was given to APC. Then, APC started site investigations in Akkuyu for the updating of the site characteristics and parameters, according to the national procedures laid out in the Decree on Licensing of Nuclear Installations. In May 2012, APC submitted updated site report to TAEK.

APC applied to Ministry of Environment and Urbanism (MoEU) for Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) on 2 December 2011 and submitted EIA Report to MoEU on 6 December 2013. APC also submitted a document of Electric Generation License (EGL) to EMRA on 24 November 2011.

It is expecting that APC will have submitted Final EIA Report to the MoEU until May of 2014. Then, APC will apply to TAEK for construction license in May 2014.

On the other hand, negotiations are proceeding regarding preparation of Power Purchase Agreement (PPA). After obtaining electricity generation license, PPA will be signed between APC and TETAS.

Fundamentals of the IGA to build and operate a nuclear power plant in Akkuyu Site in Turkey include;

• Russian Party established a joint stock project company in Turkey initially with 100% share.

• Turkish Party allocated Akkuyu Site to the Project Company free of charge until the decommissioning of NPP. Other additional land shall also be allocated free of charge if required.

• Russian Party’s share will never be below 51% at any time (and Russian Government will be the guarantor of the Project).

• APC will be the owner of NPP.

• General Contractor will be JSC Atomstroyexport (ASE).

• Russian Party shall provide funding for ASE for the construction of NPPs.

• 15 year-PPA will be awarded to APC for

• 70% of the electricity generated by unit 1 and 2 and

• 30% of the electricity generated by unit 3 and 4

• Generated electricity shall be bought by TETAS in accordance with Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 15 years at 12.35 US cents/kWh (fixed price-no escalation) on weighted average.

• In case of less production than the volume stipulated in the PPA, APC shall fulfill its obligations by providing the lacking volume of electricity.

• Nuclear Fuel shall be sourced from suppliers based on long-term agreements entered into between APC and the suppliers.

• Subject to separate agreement that may be agreed by the Parties, spent nuclear fuel of Russian origin may be reprocessed in Russia Federation.

• APC is responsible for the decommissioning and the waste management of the NPP. Within this framework, APC will make the necessary payments to relevant funds.

• For the PPA period;

• 0.15 US cent/kWh shall be paid for spent fuel and radioactive waste management

• 0.15 US cents/kWh shall be paid for decommissioning.

• Turkish companies and citizens will be included in the project to the extent possible.

• Project will be subject to all applicable laws, regulations and codes in Turkey. All necessary licenses, permits and approvals from related governmental organizations shall be obtained by APC.

Sinop Nuclear Power Plant

Electricity Generation Joint-Stock Company (EUAS) is a state-owned company and the largest electricity generation company in Turkey. EUAS operates the existing hydraulic and thermal power plants including the maintenance, repair and rehabilitation of the power plants under operation. EUAS has been given the role of state operating organization for nuclear power plants in case the nuclear power plant will be owned and operated by the state (as whole owner or shareholder).

EUAS has applied to TAEK for being owner on August 2, 2012. EUAS has been recognized by TAEK as an owner on 22 August 2012. After being recognized as a owner by TAEK, the preparation of the site report for Sinop NPP Project has been initiated by EUAS in order to obtain site license in accordance with TAEK regulations.

In the meantime, another study has started for the installation of nuclear power plants in the Sinop province. A Joint Declaration was signed between state owned utility EUAS and South Korea Electrical utility KEPCO in Istanbul, on 10 March 2010, for the construction, commissioning, operation and decommissioning of Sinop nuclear power plant. However, during the negotiations, an agreement has not been reached with South Korea.

Following that, negotiations with the Government of Japan and Japanese companies started on 26 November 2010, for the Sinop NPP Project. After the Fukushima event, negotiations with Japan have been suspended.

After Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR) have negotiated with candidate vendor countries (such as China, Japan, S. Korea Canada, etc.). An Agreement Between the Government of Republic of Turkey and the Government of Japan on Co-Operation for Development of Nuclear Power Plants and The Nuclear Power Industry in the Republic of Turkey was signed on 3 May 2013. This agreement has to be approved by Turkish Parliament and to be published in official gazette according to Turkish regulations in order to enter into force. The approval process is ongoing. Additionally, it is expected to be signed some other agreements such as Host Government Agreement (HGA), Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Shareholder Agreement (SHA) of Feasibility Studies Special Purpose Vehicle (FS SPV). After signing these agreements, the Project Company will be established.

According to the IGA the share of the Government of Republic of Turkey will be 49% in the APC and EUAS will be a shareholder of the Sinop PC together with Japan Consortium which consists of Mitsubushi, Itochu, GDF Suez Companies.

Until establishing the Project Company, EUAS and Japan Consortium will carry out feasibility activities through SHA. Some site studies that have been carrying out by EUAS are still ongoing and will be completed.

Figure 5. Organizational structure

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

The Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) has been established by Laws 4628 and 4646. “Electricity Market Law”, published in the Official Gazette dated 3 March 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, for 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, for establishing research and training centers, laboratories, test facilities and pilot plants without electricity-producing purposes wherever there is need in the country, for educating the personnel in the nuclear field and arranging co-operation with universities and related organizations, for giving approval, permission and license, related to the site selection, construction, operation of nuclear facilities, for enlightening the public in nuclear matters, and for preparing and implementing 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 collaborating in projects with universities and other related organizations. The research infrastructure at the Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center of TAEK is especially devoted to research and development activities addressing issues for nuclear reactor and fuel technology.

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

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

The Turkish Electricity Transmission Company (TEIAS) is the transmission system operator and is responsible for planning, installing and operating the transmission grid.

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.

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:

1. The Atomic Energy Commission

2. The Advisory Council

3. Advisory Committee on Nuclear Safety

4. The Specialized Departments:

1. Department of Nuclear Safety

2. Department of Radiation Health and Safety

3. Department of Technology

4. Department of Research, Development and Coordination

5. Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs

5. The Affiliated Centers:

1. Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center

2. Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center

3. Ankara Nuclear Research and Training Center

The General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration (MTA) is responsible for the systematic investigation and research into 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.

Not applicable

The Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) is closely following worldwide trends and progress in the field of nuclear reactor technologies and fuel cycle. Turkey is participating in the “International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactor Technologies and Fuel Cycles”, coordinated by IAEA. TAEK also 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 a member of the Synchrotron-light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME), another important international initiative, and TAEK is the representing Authority. 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 progress.

The Law on Turkish Atomic Energy Authority authorizes the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) as the regulatory body for all nuclear and radiation activities and facilities in Turkey and gives responsibility for ensuring the nuclear safety by licensing and inspecting such activities and facilities.

TAEK, undertakes all the regulatory activities concerning nuclear and radiation safety and nuclear security. TAEK also coordinates and supports research and development activities in nuclear field.

According to the Act, the duties and authorizations of the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority are as follows:

1. To determine the basis of the national policy and the related plans and programmes in connection with the peaceful utilization of atomic energy for the benefit of the State and to submit them to the Prime Minister for approval; to do all kinds of research, development, studies and activities and have them done for the use of atomic energy is the State’s scientific, technical and economic development and to coordinate and support such activities in this field.

2. To determine the general principles to be complied in all kinds of prospecting, exploiting, purification, distribution, import, export, trade, transport, use, transfer and storage of nuclear raw material, special fissionable material and other strategic materials used in nuclear fields and to make recommendations and cooperation thereon.

3. To establish or enforce the establishment of research and training centers, units, laboratories, test centers and pilot plants without energy production purposes located in the necessary places of the country and to operate them or have them operated; to realize the activities to direct the national industry towards the nuclear technology; to make recommendations for the establishment of fuel cycle installations for management, purification and other necessary purposes.

4. To establish and operate the radioisotope production, quality control, scaling and distribution installations.

   To determine the guiding principles and provisions for protection against the damages of ionizing radiation in the activities performed using radiation equipment, radioactive materials, special fissionable materials and such ionizing radiation sources and to determine the limits of legal liability.

   To give license as a basis for authorization to governmental or private bodies or persons who keep, use, import or export, transport, store and trade in radioactive materials and radiation equipments and to control those regarding radiation protection; to enforce the responsibility of liability for implementing the above activities; to cancel the given license permanently or temporarily, in contradictory cases to radiation regulations; if necessary to decide for the termination of above organizations and to provide the commencement of legal investigations within the general legal principles. To prepare decrees and regulations governing the general principles for the use, export, import, transport and insurance liability of radioisotopes.

1. To grant approval, permission and license related to the site selection, construction, operation and environmental protection of nuclear power and research reactors and nuclear fuel cycle facilities; to do necessary inspections and controls, to limit (restrict) the operating authority in case of noncompliance with the permission or license; to cancel permanently or temporarily the permission or license given and to make recommendations to the Prime Minister for closing down those installations; to prepare the necessary technical guides, decrees and regulations for those purposes.

2. To take the necessary measures or have them taken for the safe process, transport, permanent or temporary storage of the radioactive waste from nuclear facilities and radioisotope laboratories.

3. To establish relations with the national institutions and bodies concerned with the atomic energy; to cooperate; to participate in the scientific studies of the foreign and international institutions and bodies concerned with nuclear energy and to contact and cooperate with such institutions; to program and distribute the assistances that will be provided from domestic or foreign sources for all kinds of nuclear studies.

4. To train the personnel who will work in the nuclear field or to assist their training when necessary and to cooperate with concerned bodies and higher educational organizations; to make recommendations on the distribution of the fellowships supported by domestic sources in nuclear field; to distribute the fellowships supported by the foreign sources; to conduct and help to conduct training courses within the country; to send students and personnel to foreign countries; to plan and follow their education and studies.

5. To collect, disseminate and introduce the necessary information and the results of the studies from inside and outside the country related to the application of atomic energy; to announce the necessary information to public; to inform the public in nuclear matters.

6. To carry out studies related to national and international law in nuclear field and to propose the necessary regulatory arrangements.

7. To prepare and implement the decrees and regulations determining the basis related to the protection of nuclear materials and facilities and to control the subjects related to those and to give comments about the regulations to be prepared by other institutions related to this subject.

   TAEK is headed by a president, assisted by three vice presidents, who are appointed by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. The administrative organs of TAEK include the Atomic Energy Commission, the Advisory Council, specialized technical and administrative departments and research centers. The organizational structure of TAEK is defined by the Law. There exists no documented formal management system including roles, responsibilities and organizational structure of TAEK.

   The Atomic Energy Commission (AEC), under the chairmanship of the President of the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority, consists of the Vice Presidents of TAEK, one member from each of the Ministries of National Defense, Foreign Affairs, Energy and Natural Resources and of four faculty members in the field of nuclear energy. Duties of AEC are:

8. To set the working principles and programs of TAEK, to approve the draft budget for submittal to the Prime Minister,

9. To draft and submit to the Prime Minister laws, decrees and regulations related to nuclear field, and

10. To observe and evaluate the studies of TAEK, to submit the annual work program and annual work report to the Prime Minister.

Figure 7. Organization Chart of TAEK

AEC also acts as a decision making body for licenses and some of the permits for nuclear installations.

The Advisory Council consists of faculty members working in the nuclear field and experts from other related institutions and bodies, and meets upon invitation. The members of the Advisory Council are appointed with the nomination of the AEC and approval of the Prime Minister. The Council is invited to meet at least once a year by the President of the TAEK who presides the meeting. The Advisory Council comments on the subjects addressed by the AEC.

TAEK’s main organization consists of four technical and one administrative department:

• Department of Nuclear Safety (regulatory activities in nuclear safety and security),

• Department of Radiological Health and Safety (regulatory activities in radiation, transport and waste safety),

• Department of Technology (technological development in nuclear field),

• Department of Research, Development and Coordination (coordination of all kind of activities in nuclear field), and

• Department of Administrative and Financial Affairs (administrative and financial activities of TAEK).

In Turkey, nuclear installations are licensed by TAEK regarding nuclear safety, security and radiation protection issues. Licensing procedure is initiated by the application to be recognized as the “Owner”. Licensing process for a NPP comprises three main stages in succession: Site License, Construction License and Operating License. There are several permits functioning as hold points during the licensing process. These are: limited work permit, commissioning permit, permit to bring fuel to site, fuel loading and test operations permit for operating license. For each authorization, documents required for review and assessment of TAEK are defined in the Decree. Design approval is not a part of the authorization in Turkey. The Decree also requires the owner to apply for authorization of TAEK for every modification that may have an impact on the safety of nuclear installation. Authorization process for decommissioning stage is not defined in the Decree. Authorization for decommissioning will be held in draft law and other relevant legislation.

Licensing approach of TAEK is defined in the “Directive on Determination of Licensing Basis Regulations, Guides and Standards and Reference Plant for Nuclear Power Plants, 2012”, which lays out the rules for establishing a licensing basis for NPPs. These rules state that the issues insufficiently addressed by existing Turkish regulations on nuclear safety shall be covered by requiring compliance with the regulations of the vendor or designer country and the IAEA safety documents, particularly, safety fundamentals and safety requirements. For remaining issues, third party country laws, regulations and standards are referenced. The directive also requires the Applicant to submit the regulatory body a reference plant of the proposed design for facilitating the licensing process. Directive is established in accordance with the principles laid out in “Licensing the First Nuclear Power Plant, INSAG-26” document of IAEA.

In addition, NPPs should obtain an affirmative decision on environmental impact assessment according to the “Regulation on Environmental Impact Assessment” from the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization as a prerequisite to the site license and an electricity production license from the Energy Market Regulatory Authority.

Department of Nuclear Safety (DNS) is the responsible unit for the licensing of nuclear installations (review and assessment of documentation related to nuclear safety), preparation and amendment of regulations and inspection of nuclear installations.

Nuclear power plant licensing activities are carried out by Department of Nuclear Safety, the Advisory Committee on Nuclear Safety (ACNS) and The Vice President for Nuclear Power and Safety.

During the licensing process, the safety analysis reports submitted by the applicant are reviewed and assessed by DNS and ACNS. DNS prepares an evaluation report taking into consideration of ACNS’ advice. The evaluation report is submitted to the Vice President for Nuclear Power and Safety. The Vice President prepares a report indicating results of the evaluations and sends it to the President of the Authority. The President of the Authority takes the DNS safety analysis reports together with the report prepared by the Vice President to the first meeting of the Commission for licensing decision.

ACNS is established and its main responsibilities are defined in the “Decree on Licensing of Nuclear Installations”. The members of ACNS are faculty members and experts working in relevant fields. ACNS performs an independent review of the documents submitted with license applications.