SHOTLIST: MILAN, ITALY (SEPTEMBER 9, 2025) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. INTERNATIONAL ENERGY AGENCY (IEA) EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FATIH BIROL SPEAKING IN INTERVIEW (Turkish) MILAN, ITALY - SEPTEMBER 9, 2025: Nuclear energy is an "indispensable technology" for Türkiye, International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol told Anadolu on the sidelines of the Gastech 2025 forum in Milan. "Türkiye has a lot of renewable energy and can use it even more, but as I always say, nuclear energy is an indispensable technology for Türkiye," Birol said. Birol underlined the importance of diversifying energy sources, stating: "Work is underway on a nuclear power plant, but it is crucial for Türkiye to build additional plants with international partners, including both traditional facilities and small modular reactors." "Such projects would enhance the country's energy independence and strengthen its influence in the region and beyond," he added. Türkiye is moving ahead with its first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu, in the southern province of Mersin, while also targeting 5 gigawatts of small modular reactor capacity by 2050. Birol said Türkiye's location near major oil and natural gas producers, along with its infrastructure projects, has strengthened its position on the path to becoming a key supplier. The steps taken in natural gas, the progress in renewable energy, and the steps to come in nuclear energy will further strengthen Türkiye's position, he added. He noted, however, that Türkiye still imports much of its oil and natural gas, although it has also taken steps to produce its own. "I hope these steps will be strengthened and that there will be a significant decrease in the amount of natural gas and oil Türkiye imports from world markets. This will be beneficial for both the country's energy security and its economy," Birol said.