"Iran will certainly build an atom bomb, Turkey should too"

This stunning statement belongs to the President of the Turkish-American Business Association Zeynel Abidin Erdem, who was interviewed by TAKVİM and thus joined the debate about nuclear power plants-atom bombs. Erdem, who pointed out that eventual developments in the Middle East would determine the fate of the world’s political and power balance, said: “There are four key countries in the Middle East.

Turkey, Iran, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. In my opinion Iran will definitely build an atom bomb in the future. There is already an atom bomb in one Middle Eastern country. Within the framework of such a picture, I think Turkey should build an atom bomb too". He continued: "I was supporting the nuclear power plants, but now we are a bit hesitant. On the one hand there is the advantage of being a nuclear power, on the other hand we have to consider Turkey’s need for energy. Turkey should decide in line with future considerations like becoming a regional power or a global player”. Following the earthquake in Japan at the beginning of March and the damage it did to nuclear plants, the matter of a nuclear power plant to be built in Turkey has become a topic of domestic and international debate. Based on the information provided by the projection report concerning 10-Year Production Capacity of Electric Power in Turkey, two scenarios are being discussed in detail. Taking into consideration the capacity expected within the period of licencing and starting the operation, an energy deficit is predicted for 2016 or 2017. A nuclear power plant is needed to meet part of this deficit. In case building starts in 2010, the additional energy source will be ready to be used in 2020.

MEETING THE NEED

Erdem pointed out certain details: "For a 'fast, balanced and sustainable development, Turkey” has to provide ‘constant, safe, timely, clean and cheap' energy at a sufficient level, to diversify energy its sources and to provide an adequate level of ‘energy safety’ ... Turkey’s electricity demand for the year 2020 is estimated at 350 billion KW. In order to ensure the necessary supply of energy, our national electricity system needs and additional new supply of at least 150 billion KW within the next 10 years.According to recent studies Turkey has a considerable potential of wind power capable of feeding around 48 thousand MW installed power. 
The objective in 2020’s is to have a total installed power of 20 thousand MW-wind power. Latest studies show that we have a geothermic potential suitable for power production, allowing approximately 650 MW of installed power. Solar energy will probably have a key role too". Following recent occurences in Japan, there has been a multitude of different opinions. Some experts say there is no danger, while others maintain that instead of giving priority of Akkuyu and Sinop, we should focus on Konya and İğneada.