Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model

Celal Tuğrul Zeyrek

doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657

Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model

Abstract

As of now, Türkiye has not commissioned any nuclear reactors to produce electricity; however, a major project is being completed with the Russian Federation under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model and is expected to begin operations towards the end of 2026. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) represents not only a milestone in diversifying Türkiye’s energy portfolio and transferring nuclear technology knowledge, but also introduces the country to the complex challenge of managing radioactive waste for the first time. This study provides an overview of Türkiye’s nuclear energy policy, the implementation and licensing process of the Akkuyu NPP, and the historical development and current status of radioactive waste management practices. Relevant legislation, particularly concerning low-level radioactive waste generated by radiation facilities, is examined to contextualize the regulatory framework. The analysis highlights the uncertainties, advantages, and disadvantages of the BOO model in relation to radioactive waste management, with special emphasis on legal mechanisms established under Turkish law. Recommendations are offered to mitigate uncertainties, strengthen regulatory clarity, and ensure that Türkiye’s nuclear energy policy adequately prepares for the safe and sustainable management of radioactive waste in the Akkuyu NPP and beyond.

Keywords

Ethical Statement

The study is complied with research and publication ethics.

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Waste Management, Reduction, Reuse and Recycling, Nuclear Energy Systems, Radiation Technology

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Celal Tuğrul Zeyrek ^*
0000-0001-6744-7841
Türkiye

Publication Date

September 30, 2026

Submission Date

April 7, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 27, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 15 Number: 3

DOI

https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA75FN77XE

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Zeyrek, C. T. (2026). Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, 15(3), 1508-1522. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657

AMA

1.Zeyrek CT. Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;15(3):1508-1522. doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657

Chicago

Zeyrek, Celal Tuğrul. 2026. “Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 15 (3): 1508-22. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657.

EndNote

Zeyrek CT (September 1, 2026) Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 15 3 1508–1522.

IEEE

[1]C. T. Zeyrek, “Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model”, Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 1508–1522, Sept. 2026, doi: 10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657.

ISNAD

Zeyrek, Celal Tuğrul. “Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi 15/3 (September 1, 2026): 1508-1522. https://doi.org/10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657.

JAMA

1.Zeyrek CT. Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026;15:1508–1522.

MLA

Zeyrek, Celal Tuğrul. “Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model”. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi, vol. 15, no. 3, Sept. 2026, pp. 1508-22, doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657.

Vancouver

1.Celal Tuğrul Zeyrek. Radioactive Waste Management Challenges in Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Policy: The Akkuyu NPP BOO Model. Bitlis Eren Üniversitesi Fen Bilimleri Dergisi. 2026 Sep. 1;15(3):1508-22. doi:10.17798/bitlisfen.1924657