Three Key Factors That Make Türkiye a Civil Nuclear Role Model for Emerging Countries

In the rapidly evolving global nuclear energy landscape, Türkiye is positioning itself as a key player with a strategic vision to expand its nuclear capabilities. As part of its broader energy goals, the country aims to increase its total generation capacity to 189.7 GW by 2035, with nuclear energy contributing 7.2 GW, and plans to reach 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050. With energy security and sustainable growth as central priorities, Türkiye has developed a comprehensive approach that sets it apart as a leader in the field, particularly for emerging nations seeking to utilize nuclear energy for economic development and energy independence.

What are the driving factors behind Türkiye's nuclear energy success?

What makes its strategy a model for other countries looking to build their nuclear capabilities?

The following factors, grounded in meticulous planning, are defining the future of Türkiye's nuclear sector—and they offer valuable lessons for other nations pursuing similar goals.

1. Localization Efforts in the Nuclear Energy Supply Chain:

Türkiye has achieved a remarkable 56% local content rate in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project, contributing approximately $7.5 billion to the national economy, as reported by the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. This milestone underscores the country’s steadfast commitment to fostering domestic industry participation in its nuclear energy endeavors.

Salih Sari, Head of the Department for Nuclear Infrastructure Development at the Ministry, outlined Türkiye's ambitious targets to further elevate this achievement. By 2028, the nation aims to increase the local content contribution to at least $10 billion. Beyond this, efforts will focus on raising the localization rate to over 80% for the upcoming nuclear power plants planned in Sinop and Thrace along the Black Sea coast. Türkiye’s ultimate vision is to attain complete self-sufficiency “in all aspects of nuclear energy” by 2053, positioning itself as a global exporter of nuclear technology.

The Akkuyu NPP project serves as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s localization strategy. A multi-faceted approach has been adopted, encompassing industry capacity surveys, on-site inspections, audits, and the creation of a dedicated Localization Committee. This committee plays a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships between local manufacturers and their Russian counterparts, forming dynamic nuclear industry clusters. These collaborations not only enhance local capabilities but also pave the way for the development of a robust and self-reliant nuclear ecosystem within Türkiye.

2. Building a Skilled Workforce for the Nuclear Sector:

Türkiye is committed to building a highly skilled workforce for its nuclear energy sector, emphasizing technical capacity and local talent development.  The strategy prioritizes retaining skilled professionals domestically to maintain leadership in nuclear technology and innovation. Speaking during an NBP HotSeat episode, Dr. Süle Ergun, an associate professor of nuclear engineering  at Hacettepe University highlighted the importance of meticulous planning to create a workforce capable of supporting the nuclear ecosystem, combining quantitative and qualitative training efforts. Türkiye also collaborates with leading institutions from Russia, China, Japan, the USA, and the UK to facilitate knowledge exchange, technological transfer, and advanced training. 

Each year, about 500 Turkish students are sponsored to study nuclear-related fields at international institutions in the UK, USA, Russia, and Germany. These graduates contribute expertise to key organizations such as the Ministry of Energy (MENR-GDNE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK), addressing knowledge gaps in the sector.

In addition, Türkiye’s nuclear research reactors, the ITU-TRR and TR-2, play a critical role in workforce training. The ITU-TRR at Istanbul Technical University supports education and research, while the TR-2 reactor at the Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center produces radioisotopes and provides practical training for engineers and technicians.

Advanced tools like the IAEA Nuclear Power Human Resource (NPHR) modeling tool and the Nuclear Human Resource Knowledge Development Network, established in 2017, enable effective workforce planning. The Plant Owner’s Nuclear Education Program has already supported 358 Turkish students in nuclear engineering and NPP operations studies in Russia.

Türkiye Nuclear Energy Co. (TÜNAŞ) developed the Normative Skill Matrix to define required competencies across all NPP project phases, supported by a Gap Analysis and Competency Development Plan. The Turkish Nuclear Training Centre (TNTC) executes these strategies, focusing on closing skill gaps and ensuring readiness for large-scale projects.

During the Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2024, Yusuf Ceylan, Director General, Nuclear Energy and International Projects, Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized that, “An essential consideration in Türkiye’s approach to human resource development is the sustainability of long-term projects in the country.”  

3. Dual Approach of Large Reactors and Small Modular Reactors:

Türkiye’s dual strategy of developing both large-scale nuclear reactors and small modular reactors (SMRs) highlights its readiness to embrace all possible options to meet the growing energy demands while staying at the forefront of technological advancements.  The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Türkiye’s first nuclear facility, developed by Rosatom under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, will consist of four reactors, each with a capacity of 1.2 GW, providing a total of 4.8 GW of electricity. Once operational, Akkuyu is expected to supply approximately 10% of Türkiye's energy needs. In addition to Akkuyu, Türkiye is moving forward with plans for further large-scale nuclear projects, including the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant along the Black Sea, with a capacity of 4.8 GW from four reactors. A third project in the Thrace region, expected to have a capacity of 5.6 GW, is in early planning stages, with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) being considered as a potential partner.

Furthermore, Türkiye is actively exploring the development of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). Ongoing discussions with TerraPower, backed by Bill Gates, aim to evaluate the potential for SMR deployment. Collaborations with U.S. companies such as Westinghouse Electric Co. and the UK’s Rolls-Royce are also progressing. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, has engaged with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) to advance Türkiye’s SMR initiatives.

To support SMR integration, Türkiye aims to establish a regulatory framework by 2025 through draft legislation that will facilitate the deployment of up to 5 GW of SMR capacity by 2050. This initiative aligns with the 12th Development Plan (2024–2028), which underscores Türkiye’s ambitions to expand its nuclear energy portfolio through both conventional large reactors and domestic SMRs. During the Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2023, Ibrahim Halil Dere, Vice President of the Turkish Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK), emphasized the authority’s commitment to overcoming regulatory challenges and adapting to diverse reactor technologies, including the complexities of SMRs.

In short, Türkiye serves as a role model for emerging nations looking to advance their nuclear capabilities amid the global energy transition. The country's focus on localization, workforce development, and a balanced approach to large reactors and SMRs showcases how targeted policies can drive success. For other countries, Türkiye’s emphasis on strategic partnerships, technological innovation, and skilled workforce development offers key lessons. As Türkiye moves forward, its approach is likely to become a benchmark for sustainable nuclear energy development worldwide.