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Environmentalists in Turkey have slowed path to nuclear power

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, May 11, 2007

ANKARA — Parliament has passed legislation meant to pave the way for the construction of Turkey's first nuclear energy facility.

So far, Turkey's nuclear project has not been smooth. The Energy Ministry intends to build the first reactor in Sinop, along the Black Sea, a decision that sparked protests by residents and environmentalists.

In 2000, environmentalists helped defeat a plan to build a nuclear reactor in Akkuyu along the Mediterranean Sea. Opponents said the proposed Akkuyu facility was located along a geological fault and susceptible to a major earthquake.

The legislation establishes a legal framework for the procurement of nuclear reactor facilities, Middle East Newsline reported. The bill, approved on May 8, authorizes the Energy Ministry to administer a tender for reactor construction.

Ankara plans to build three nuclear power plants with a total capacity of 5,000 megawatts. Officials said the first reactor would turn operational in 2012.

Under the bill, the Energy Ministry would be authorized to award contracts as well as decide on the location of nuclear reactors. The ministry would also determine the capacity of the reactors.

Officials said the legislation would ensure the construction of nuclear reactors regardless of private sector interest. They said the bill would authorize the state to construct such facilities should private companies refuse to bid.

Under the newly-passed legislation, Turkey's power utilities would be allowed to purchase nuclear-generated energy. The bill provided for 15-year purchase contracts.


Copyright © 2007 East West Services, Inc.

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