Türkiye nuclear energy strategy focuses on cybersecurity, domestic capacity

The National Intelligence Academy of Türkiye has published a report titled “Türkiye’s Nuclear Energy Strategy from a Cybersecurity Perspective.”

The report examines critical issues such as energy security, cybersecurity threats, international cooperation, and the development of domestic capacity, highlighting why nuclear energy is an indispensable tool for Türkiye’s future.

Key highlights

• Energy security at the core: The report emphasizes the strategic role nuclear energy plays in meeting Türkiye’s growing energy needs. Successfully implementing nuclear projects requires addressing challenges such as security, public acceptance, and alignment with international standards.
• Cybersecurity focus: As nuclear facilities become more digitized, the risk of cyber threats rises. The report underscores the need to bolster Türkiye’s cybersecurity infrastructure to protect nuclear operations, particularly at projects like the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (Akkuyu NPP).
• Development of domestic technologies: Advancing domestic technology is critical to reducing costs and enhancing Türkiye’s technical capabilities. The report outlines how local innovation will play a crucial role in strengthening energy security and fostering economic growth.

Nuclear energy’s pivotal role

• Nuclear energy as a national priority: The report highlights nuclear energy’s pivotal role not only in securing energy but also in enhancing Türkiye’s geopolitical standing. Projects like the Akkuyu NPP are central to this strategy. However, the report stresses that their success depends on managing security risks and building public trust.
• Increasing cybersecurity risks: The digitalization of nuclear facilities brings greater vulnerability to cyberattacks. The report points to the need for advanced cybersecurity protocols to protect Türkiye’s nuclear plants from threats, drawing lessons from past incidents like Stuxnet.

What’s next

The report calls for a comprehensive approach to safeguarding nuclear plants from both physical and cyber threats. It recommends ensuring compliance with international safety standards and establishing robust security measures at all levels.

Given the concerns surrounding nuclear energy, the Academy suggests Türkiye should focus on transparency and public education campaigns. Addressing the public’s fears, shaped by past nuclear accidents like Chornobyl and Fukushima, will be crucial in gaining support for nuclear projects.