The nuclear field in Türkiye is not managed by a single institution. Policy development, regulatory supervision, research and project development tasks are distributed to different institutions. Knowing this distinction is important in order to correctly evaluate the legal or technical weight of a statement.
Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources
The Ministry works on the general direction of Türkiye's energy policy and nuclear energy program. Large-scale power plant targets, international energy collaborations, human resources and localization policies are located in the public information center of the Ministry.
The Ministry's policy determination and the granting of a security permit to a facility are not the same process. Licensing and security monitoring are carried out by a separate regulatory structure.
What does NDK do?
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority is responsible for regulating activities related to nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in terms of safety, security and radiation protection. It evaluates permit and license applications of nuclear facilities, publishes regulations and carries out inspections.
The basic principle is this: The primary responsibility for safety lies with the operator carrying out the activity. NDK does not manage the plant instead of the operator; determines requirements and monitors compliance. Regulatory independence helps separate security decisions from commercial or production objectives.
What do TENMAK and NÜKEN do?
Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mining Research Corporation was established in 2020. Nuclear Energy Research Institute within TENMAK; It carries out research, development, testing, training and technology acquisition in the fields of ionizing radiation, particle accelerators, nuclear energy and nuclear technology.
TENMAK's activities are not limited to power plants. Dosimetry, calibration, radioisotopes, irradiation applications, laboratory services and research infrastructure are also part of the nuclear technology ecosystem.
What is the role of TÜNAŞ?
Türkiye Nükleer Enerji A.Ş. is a company associated with the development of nuclear energy projects and the creation of public project capacity. The roles of a project developer or investment firm and the security regulator are separate. TÜNAŞ's project development activity does not replace NDK's licensing and inspection authority.
Universities and other stakeholders
Universities develop research, education and human resources. Health institutions, industrial enterprises and authorized technical organizations take part in the applications of radiation in medicine and industry. Disaster and emergency, environment, local government and security institutions also participate in the system in their areas of duty.
Correctly separating institutional duties, “who does the project, who gives permission, who conducts research?” answers questions more reliably.
Resources
- Nuclear Regulatory Authority: https://www.ndk.gov.tr/
- TENMAK, About us: https://tenmak.gov.tr/hakkimizda
- TENMAK, Nuclear Energy Research Institute: https://tenmak.gov.tr/nukleer-enerji-arastirma-enstitusu
- Türkiye Nuclear Energy Inc.: https://tunas.gov.tr/tr