Istanbul: Turkish Minister of Economy Alparslan Bayraktar emphasized that nuclear energy is a vital component of Turkiye's national security strategy. Speaking at the Nuclear Energy Technologies Design Competition in Istanbul, Bayraktar highlighted the increasing demand for energy, driven by advancements in artificial intelligence and the global challenge of providing electricity access to nearly 600 million people who currently lack it.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the event, organized by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, took place ahead of the Teknofest Aerospace and Technology Festival, which is set to commence on September 17. Bayraktar noted that Turkiye's electricity demand has tripled over the past two decades and is projected to grow at an annual rate of 3.5 percent, reaching nearly 945 terawatt-hours by the year 2035.
Turkiye's annual energy imports range between USD 70 billion to USD 90 billion, presenting a significant challenge for the country's economy. Bayraktar underscored the necessity of reducing reliance on foreign energy imports to enhance economic independence, which he described as integral to national security. He also addressed the importance of reducing carbon dioxide emissions, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change, and outlined plans to triple nuclear energy production by 2050 in accordance with the COP28 declaration adopted in Dubai in December 2023.
The declaration saw commitments from 22 countries and over 120 companies to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions. Bayraktar reiterated Turkiye's commitment to this international initiative, emphasizing its role in supporting the country's long-term energy and security goals.