Turkey's Foreign Trade Deficit and Nuclear Energy Option

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to conduct a detailed research on the possible advantages and disadvantages of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant to Turkey. In this context, the study discussed whether nuclear energy could provide a solution to the energy deficit problem, which is an important reason for Turkey's foreign trade deficit. Design/methodology/approach – In the study, descriptive analysis method, one of the qualitative research methods, was used. In this context, data obtained from important studies on the subject were examined and interpreted using the document analysis technique. Findings – Nuclear power plants have advantages such as contributing to energy supply diversity, not emitting greenhouse gases compared to fossil fuels, being a large producer of electrical energy, and having relatively low fuel costs. On the other hand, issues such as high installation costs, risk of accidents, risks created by final wastes and waste costs can be considered among the disadvantages of nuclear energy. In addition, with the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, it is seen that Turkey's foreign dependency in terms of nuclear energy raw materials and technology will continue. On the other hand, there are also opinions arguing that Turkey needs nuclear energy in order to reduce its dependence on oil and natural gas and to have stable energy resources in the long term. Discussion – The agreement made with Russia for the nuclear power plant to be built in Akkuyu and its content are quite thought-provoking in terms of energy dependency and energy supply security. It is clear that Turkey will continue to be externally dependent on both nuclear technology and nuclear fuel supply, within the framework of the nuclear agreements made. The solution to foreign dependency in energy should be sought in renewable energy sources, especially in which developed countries invest heavily.