Turkey's boron reserves could drive proton-bor fusion energy

Turkey's significant boron reserves, which account for approximately 70 percent of the world's supply, could position the country as a strategic fuel provider for proton-bor fusion technology. This potential was a central topic at the IWPROBONO International Workshop held at Yeditepe University between October 5 and 8.

Prof. Dr. Bülent Büyük, Director of the Bor Technologies Application and Research Center at Bandırma Onyedi Eylül University, noted that proton-bor fusion offers high energy potential with the advantage of not producing neutrons, resulting in low radioactivity. The alpha particles produced during the reaction could be utilized for direct electricity generation, medical applications—including cancer treatment—mobile systems, and space exploration.

The workshop, supported by the European Union's COST CA21128 PROBONO Action, brought together 85 researchers from 23 countries to evaluate scientific advancements and technological challenges in the field of proton-bor fusion.