(Zaman) - A legal amendment regarding Turkeys first possible nuclear power station will be discussed by the parliament in the new legislative year.
Turkish Energy Minister Hilmi Guler said they are preparing a draft law to strengthen the legal basis of the nuclear issue, one of many measures planned to ward off a likely energy deficit by 2009, reports Trend.
The minister said the draft at the parliament includes changes that clarify issues such as the licensing, establishment, operation, production, sale and waste management both for investors and producers.
Recalling that they received proposals for the nuclear station from 14 local companies and these companies are in talks with the worlds energy leaders, Guler said the parties involved wish the participation of the public sector as well.
The minister clarified that they will not hold a tender to determine the final contract winner and said a choice will be made from among the licensed companies by considering technical, economic and environmental circumstances. The names qualified to do this are already well-known. They will establish the station according to the agreement.
Guler asserted they will consider criteria such as inexpensive production, the ability to begin operation in the shortest possible time, domestic contribution and technology transfers in making the choice, and said they are holding talks with most leading countries in this field.
Minister Guler also mentioned the developments regarding the Turkish-Austrian (Nabucco) Natural Gas Pipeline Project, which aims to transport natural resources from the Caspian and Middle East regions to Europe, and said the line that became more important after the natural gas crisis that occurred between Russia and Ukraine at the beginning of the year should definitely be put into operation.
Underlining Turkey does not want to be a transit country only; Guler said We also want to be a trade country.
Emphasizing the talks on the sale of gas to Europe are ongoing between Iran and Turkey, Guler said the cooperation will be based on reciprocal and equal rights.
Guler said they are determined to make Ceyhan one of the worlds most important energy centers, and added, Three oil and three natural gas pipelines can meet in Ceyhan. We are trying to structure the region in conformity with these lines, and the worlds leading companies are competing against each other to establish a refinery there.