The project aims to contribute to the safe management of radioactive waste originating from pressurized water reactors such as the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), in line with Türkiye’s goal of incorporating small modular reactor (SMR) technologies into its nuclear energy portfolio. It focuses on evaluating domestic and modified bentonites for nuclear waste management by utilizing Türkiye’s rich bentonite deposits. Among the project outcomes are detailed analyses of bentonites extracted in Türkiye, production of modified bentonite, experimental and numerical investigation of radionuclide interactions, and the establishment of suitable material infrastructure for potential deep geological disposal facilities in Türkiye.

The project will be carried out under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Sevilay Hacıyakupoğlu, with contributions from Prof. Dr. Ahmet Durmayaz, Dr. Ayşe Nur Esen, Prof. Dr. Bahire Filiz Şenkal, Prof. Dr. Emin Çiftçi, Prof. Dr. Recep Fahri Esenli, Dr. Bala Ekinci Şans, and Dr. Tayfun Tanbay.

The project stands out for its alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals: 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy, 9 - Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production, 13 - Climate Action, and 15 - Life on Land.