US interested in Turkey nuclear tender

U.S. companies would definitely be interested in building Turkey's first nuclear power plant if Turkey decides to renew a tender canceled last November, said top U.S. diplomat in Turkey.

U.S. Ambassador to Turkey James Jeffrey had a meeting with Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yildiz in Ankara on Wednesday.

Jeffrey told reporters after the meeting that U.S. government would encourage U.S. companies in that way. He said U.S. energy companies would definitely be interested in Turkey's nuclear projects if Turkey decides to hold more tenders.

A Turkish-Russian consortium led by Russia's Atomstroyexport had been the only bidder in a 2008 tender to build country's first nuclear power plant. But Turkey's state-run electricity wholesaler TETAS canceled the tender in November 2009.

Turkish Energy Minister Yildiz said that Turkey would reconsider the matter if such companies show interest in nuclear power plant project.

Yildis also said that several energy-related issues were discussed during his meeting with Jeffrey.

/World Bulletin/