مرکز منطقه ای اطلاع رساني علوم و فناوري - Nuclear Energy Discussions in terms of Economic and Security Dimension: Reactions Against Akkuyu Nuclear Plant

Abstract :

Nuclear energy has a very important role in today’s world in terms of providing much more energy capacity than other energy sources, also of its extensity of usage area, low price and guarantee coverage. Especially, increasing conditions of competition in the globalization process requires looking for easier and cheaper ways of achieving energy in terms of economy. Notably France and the USA, many countries meet their electricity and heat demand from nuclear energy. However, in the last 50 years, the occurrence of severe nuclear reactor accidents engraving in memories such as Chernobyl and of nuclear power plant explosions which triggered by other natural disasters such as in Fukushima have made states take quick precautions against security risks of nuclear energy. Therefore, upon appearance of the security dimension of energy, notably EU, many organizations and governments have mobilized in order to decrease the risks of nuclear accidents. Nuclear energy debates are progressing ambidextrously. In these discussions, it seems to be difficult to reach a consensus. Authorities affirming the nuclear energy defend that radioactivity risk are not so high as claimed, energy efficiency is higher than other energy sources and amount of waste polluting environment is low. On the other hand, the views negating the nuclear assert that human health will be under risk upon radiation, environmental problems will be seen commonly and economic benefits will be below expectations. Recently, Akkuyu nuclear power plant considered to be established in Turkey takes places in the focus of security debates. The purpose of this study is to analyse nuclear energy in terms of security dimension by showing opposite debates and to discuss possible security risks of establishment of Akkuyu Nuclear power plant.