12/27/2010

Türkiye and Japan move toward nuclear plant deal

Hurriyet Daily News - Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz and Japanese Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Akihiro Ohata signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the construction of a nuclear power plant in the Black Sea province of Sinop. The agreement to enter negotiations was signed during Minister Yildiz’s visit to Japan last week.

Speaking after the signing ceremony, Yildiz said the agreement will lead the way for further accords between the two countries, adding that Türkiye could even enter into cooperative investments with Japan in third countries.

He said the ministry is also keen to establish cooperation with Japan in energy saving projects.

Japan’s Ohata said he believes the agreement will boost bilateral relations between Türkiye and Japan, adding that it will take Japan three months to start the nuclear power plant project.

The countries are aiming to seek a deal within three months on a nuclear plant in Türkiye's Black Sea coastal town of Sinop, a project estimated by analysts to possibly cost USD 20 billion.

Türkiye wants to build two nuclear plants to reduce its dependency on imported energy. It assessed bids from several countries after talks with South Korea languished.
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turkey; japan; turkish-japanese; energy industry; nuclear energy; nuclear power plant; taner yildiz; sinop