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Decision on nuclear power plant suspended for two months
Speaking at press conference at the Mining Exploration Institute (MTA) in Ankara on Friday, Yıldız emphasized that the government's determination to construct a nuclear power plant continues and that they are striving to reach a satisfactory agreement.
He noted that strategic, judicial and technical studies related to the tender of the nuclear power plant still continue and the government is continuing to hold talks with the officials of the winner of the tender, a consortium composed of Russian companies AtomStroyExport, Inter Rao UES JSC and the Ciner Group's Park Teknik.
Yıldız stated that the tender had entered the evaluation process and it was expected to be completed in two months. Stressing that it is not certain yet whether the consortium would construct the plant, he noted that both “yes” and “no” remain on the table until the evaluation process is finalized, which is set to occur on Nov. 24. The tender on the construction of the nuclear power plant and its operation for 15 years was held in September 2008.
‘Turkey will not give up using its renewable energy resources'
Talking also about Turkey's renewable energy resources, Yıldız noted Turkey would not give up using these resources which currently contribute significantly to Turkey's energy resources. The export and price of renewable energy resources are also on rise, he added. In regard to wind energy plants, Yıldız said the studies on construction projects were under way and expected to be completed by the end of the year. He noted they should act more carefully regarding the solar energy, of which new sale prices are to be determined in accordance with the Renewable Energy Law (YEK) in coordination with the Treasury. He added that the cost of solar energy panels is declining steadily.
Yıldız remarked the results of the agreements signed between Russia and Turkey at a meeting of the Turkish-Russian Joint Economic Committee (JEC) in order to further develop cooperation in the energy sector are expected to be put into practice in the near future.
Yıldız also said the state-run Turkish Petroleum Corporation (TPAO) would take part in 10 tenders to develop the oil and gas fields of Iraq. The TPAO will submit bids for six of the tenders itself, while a consortium will be established with Gazprom for the other four. The tenders are set to take place in late December.
Upon the questions related to the illegal use of electricity, Yıldız noted the levels of illegal electricity usage have declined from about 30 percent in 2002 to 14 percent currently and added that their aim was to decrease this level to between 3 and 3.5 percent.
Yıldız stated Turkey would sign a deal with both Russia and Iran on natural gas on the condition that the “buy or pay” condition is eased with a lower amount of gas needed to be used before incurring penalties. Turkey's use of natural gas has been decreasing due to the negative impacts of global financial crisis, he added. Replying to a question on a possible hike in natural gas prices, Yıldız said such a thing has not been discussed by the ministry yet.
Replying a question on privatization in the electricity sector, Yıldız said the government planned to complete the privatization of both electricity production and delivery companies by the end of 2010. Asked whether Turkey would be affected positively by being an energy hub country as signals indicate, the minister replied it would definitely be to Turkey's advantage.
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