Top 5 Reasons Why Türkiye Has the Potential to Become a Nuclear Expertise Hub
Türkiye is rapidly positioning itself as a pivotal player in the global nuclear industry, driven by a strategic vision to enhance energy security, expand industrial capabilities, and foster international cooperation. With a robust national energy policy, a growing domestic supply chain, and increasing expertise in both large-scale reactors and advanced nuclear technologies, Türkiye is emerging as a key hub for nuclear development. Its commitment to research, regulatory excellence, and workforce training underscores its long-term ambitions to establish itself as a center for nuclear expertise. Here are five critical reasons why Türkiye has the potential to become a leading force in the nuclear sector.
1. Strong Government Commitment and a Clear National Energy Strategy
Türkiye’s long-term energy strategy places nuclear power at the core of its efforts to achieve energy independence and diversification. The National Energy Plan (2020–2035) envisions nuclear energy as a key pillar of the country’s energy mix, with a target of reaching 7.2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2035 and expanding to 20 GW by 2050. These targets align with Türkiye’s broader goal of increasing total electricity generation capacity to 189.7 GW by 2035.
The Turkish government has proactively secured international agreements with leading nuclear technology providers, including Russia, China, South Korea, and the United States. These partnerships facilitate access to cutting-edge reactor technologies, operational expertise, and comprehensive training programs that are vital for establishing a skilled nuclear workforce.
Additionally, Türkiye is reinforcing its nuclear regulatory framework to ensure compliance with global safety and security standards. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) is actively working to align its regulations with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines, fostering a transparent and globally recognized regulatory environment. This commitment to regulatory excellence strengthens Türkiye’s credibility as a responsible nuclear power.
2. Advanced Research and Development Capabilities
Türkiye has made significant investments in nuclear research and development (R&D), recognizing it as a foundation for technological innovation and workforce specialization. The country operates key research reactors, including the ITU-TRR at Istanbul Technical University and the TR-2 reactor at the Çekmece Nuclear Research and Training Center, both of which play a crucial role in training specialists, producing radioisotopes, and developing reactor technologies. The Sarayköy Nuclear Research and Training Center (SANAEM) further expands nuclear applications in medicine, industry, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
Leading Türkiye’s nuclear R&D efforts, the Turkish Energy, Nuclear, and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK) oversees five specialized institutes focused on nuclear fuel cycles, reactor technology, and materials science. These include the Nuclear Energy Research Institute (NUKEN), Boron Research Institute (BOREN), Rare Earth Elements Research Institute (NATEN), Energy Research Institute (ENAREN), and Clean Energy Research Institute (TEMEN). Türkiye’s collaboration with global partners—such as Russia, the UK, the USA, and Germany—further enhances its R&D capabilities through joint programs, internships, and IAEA-backed workshops. By prioritizing research-driven development, Türkiye is solidifying its role as an innovation hub in the nuclear sector.
3. A Growing Domestic Nuclear Supply Chain and Industrial Capacity
Türkiye is rapidly strengthening its domestic nuclear supply chain, achieving an impressive 56% local content rate in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project. This has translated into an estimated $7.5 billion contribution to the national economy, demonstrating the country’s ability to integrate its industrial sector into the nuclear value chain.
Akkuyu NPP serves as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s localization strategy, supported by industry capacity surveys, inspections, and a dedicated Localization Committee that fosters partnerships between Turkish manufacturers and international counterparts. Procurement analysis reveals significant domestic contributions, particularly in electromechanical materials (86%), hydrotechnical structures (85%), and pipeline products (51%), while foreign suppliers still dominate categories like electrical equipment (85%). Notably, 73% of the main EPC contractor’s expenditure is directed toward Turkish suppliers.
To further enhance local capabilities, the TÜNAŞ Supplier Development Program categorizes nuclear project needs into build, optimize, and maximize phases, ensuring strategic localization efforts. The Nuclear Industrial Platform, a key initiative, unites suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers to advance Türkiye’s nuclear supply chain. With these initiatives, Türkiye is positioning itself as a model for emerging nuclear nations, demonstrating how robust domestic industrial capacity can drive self-reliance in the nuclear sector.
4. Strategic Geopolitical Position and Regional Influence in Nuclear Energy
Türkiye’s geographical location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East provides it with a strategic advantage in regional energy cooperation. With its expanding nuclear sector, Türkiye is well-positioned to support neighboring countries in their nuclear ambitions by offering training, regulatory guidance, and industrial expertise.
Countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are advancing their nuclear programs, and Türkiye’s experience in nuclear project development makes it an ideal partner for knowledge transfer and technology sharing. Additionally, Türkiye can serve as a hub for nuclear workforce training, positioning itself as a regional leader in nuclear education and regulatory expertise.
By leveraging its nuclear capabilities, Türkiye can strengthen its geopolitical influence through energy diplomacy and technology exports, solidifying its role as a key player in the global nuclear landscape.
5. Expertise in Large-Scale Reactors and Advanced Nuclear Technologies
Türkiye’s nuclear sector is expanding with large-scale reactor projects that will establish its expertise in high-capacity nuclear power generation. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, set to become the world’s largest nuclear construction site, will supply approximately 10% of Türkiye’s total energy demand. Developed under Russia’s Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, Akkuyu will feature four VVER-1200 reactors, totaling 4.8 GW of capacity.
Beyond Akkuyu, Türkiye is advancing plans for additional large-scale nuclear projects, including the 4.8 GW Sinop Nuclear Power Plant and a third facility in the Thrace region with a proposed 5.6 GW capacity. Ongoing negotiations with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) highlight Türkiye’s commitment to expanding its nuclear portfolio.
Parallel to its large-reactor projects, Türkiye is actively pursuing Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology, targeting 5 GW of SMR capacity by 2050. The country has initiated discussions with leading SMR developers, including Westinghouse Electric Co. and Rolls-Royce, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Türkiye for potential SMR deployment. Legislative efforts to establish a regulatory framework for SMRs are expected by 2025, underscoring Türkiye’s forward-looking approach to nuclear innovation.
Türkiye’s nuclear goals extend beyond energy production—it is strategically positioning itself as a global hub for nuclear expertise. Through strong government commitment, advanced R&D initiatives, a rapidly developing domestic supply chain, regional energy leadership, and expertise in both large reactors and advanced nuclear technologies, Türkiye is laying the foundation for long-term leadership in the nuclear industry. With continued investment, strategic international collaborations, and a focus on workforce development, Türkiye is on track to become an indispensable player in the future of nuclear energy.
