Türkiye’s Nuclear Takeoff: Unleashing a Multi-Project Powerhouse by 2050!
Türkiye is charting an ambitious course in nuclear energy, pursuing a multi-project strategy to enhance its energy security, industrial growth, and technological independence. With a target of reaching 7.2 GW of nuclear capacity by 2035 and expanding to 20 GW by 2050, the country is laying the groundwork for a sustained, long-term expansion of its nuclear sector. While the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is currently under construction, Türkiye is actively planning two additional large-scale nuclear power projects in Sinop and Thrace and exploring Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. By advancing multiple nuclear initiatives in parallel, Türkiye is leveraging diverse international partnerships and advanced technologies to secure its place as a key player in the global nuclear industry.
Scaling Up Nuclear Capacity Across Multiple Sites
Türkiye’s nuclear expansion is anchored in three major power plant projects: Akkuyu, Sinop, and Thrace. These projects, each involving international partnerships and cutting-edge reactor technologies, collectively demonstrate Türkiye’s commitment to large-scale nuclear energy deployment.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Türkiye’s first operational nuclear facility, is a 4.8 GW project in Mersin Province, developed under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model with Russia’s state-owned Rosatom. Featuring four VVER-1200 reactors, this Generation III+ plant will supply approximately 10% of Türkiye’s electricity demand upon completion. More significantly, Akkuyu has already delivered $7.5 billion in local economic contributions, achieving a 56% localization rate. By 2028, Türkiye aims to increase this contribution to at least $10 billion while raising localization to over 80% for its upcoming nuclear projects.
Beyond Akkuyu, Türkiye is advancing the Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, a second 4.8 GW facility planned for the Black Sea coast. Although Russia is currently leading the bid, South Korea’s KEPCO is actively competing for the contract, offering its APR1400 reactors. Türkiye’s strategy of engaging multiple technology providers underscores its commitment to securing the best financial and technological terms while reducing dependency on a single supplier.
Meanwhile, Türkiye is planning its third major nuclear facility, the Thrace Nuclear Power Plant, in Kirklareli Province. Expected to have a total installed capacity of 5.6 GW, this project is led by China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC), with the proposed deployment of CAP1400 reactors. These next-generation reactors are designed with enhanced safety features and efficiency, reinforcing Türkiye’s preference for advanced nuclear technology.
By simultaneously developing on Akkuyu, Sinop, and Thrace, Türkiye is ensuring that its nuclear energy program scales up rapidly while benefiting from a diverse mix of technological expertise and financing models.
Türkiye’s SMR Ambitions: Expanding Beyond Large-Scale Plants
In addition to its large nuclear projects, Türkiye is actively investing in SMR technology to enhance flexibility in its nuclear energy strategy. Targeting 5 GW of SMR capacity by 2050, Türkiye is engaging with Westinghouse Electric Co. and Rolls-Royce, the latter having signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for potential deployment. Legislative efforts are underway to establish an SMR regulatory framework by 2025, reflecting Türkiye’s proactive approach to nuclear innovation.
SMRs provide cost-effective, scalable, and decentralized power generation, making them an ideal complement to Türkiye’s large-scale nuclear plants. By integrating SMRs into its energy mix, Türkiye will enhance grid resilience, expand nuclear power into industrial applications, and maintain long-term energy security. The parallel development of both large and small reactors reinforces Türkiye’s nuclear roadmap, ensuring a well-balanced and adaptable strategy.
Driving Economic Growth and Localization Through Nuclear Development
Türkiye’s decision to advance multiple nuclear projects simultaneously is not only an energy strategy but also a broader economic transformation initiative. The localization rate of 56% at Akkuyu NPP marks a significant milestone, and Türkiye is determined to surpass 80% localization in Sinop and Thrace. By prioritizing local industries, Türkiye is stimulating its nuclear supply chain, infrastructure development, and job creation on an unprecedented scale.
With over $20 billion invested in Akkuyu alone, Türkiye is leveraging nuclear energy to drive industrial expansion. Nuclear projects require advanced manufacturing, engineering, and construction expertise, positioning local companies to participate in global nuclear supply chains. Türkiye’s ultimate ambition is to achieve full self-sufficiency in nuclear technology by 2053, allowing it to export reactor components, engineering services, and regulatory expertise to international markets.
Workforce Development: Building a Skilled Nuclear Ecosystem
Executing multiple nuclear projects in parallel requires a highly trained workforce, and Türkiye is making significant investments in human capital. Speaking at the Nuclear Business Platform (NBP) Hot Seat, Dr. Süle Ergun, an associate professor of nuclear engineering at Hacettepe University, emphasized the importance of meticulous workforce planning. Türkiye has adopted a quantitative and qualitative training strategy to ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals.
Türkiye has established global partnerships with leading nuclear institutions from Russia, China, Japan, the USA, and the UK to facilitate knowledge transfer and advanced training. Each year, 500 Turkish students receive government-sponsored scholarships to study nuclear engineering, safety, and regulatory sciences at top universities in the UK, USA, Russia, and Germany. Graduates return to work in key institutions such as the Ministry of Energy (MENR-GDNE) and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK), reinforcing Türkiye’s long-term capability to manage its expanding nuclear sector.
By investing in workforce development, Türkiye is not only ensuring the success of its current nuclear projects but also laying the foundation for sustained expertise that will support future nuclear endeavors.
Moving Forward
Türkiye’s nuclear expansion is not just about energy generation—it is a comprehensive strategy that integrates energy security, economic growth, industrial development, and technological leadership. By advancing multiple projects in parallel, Türkiye is accelerating its nuclear deployment, diversifying its partnerships, and establishing itself as a major nuclear player.
The simultaneous development of Akkuyu, Sinop, Thrace, and SMRs ensures that Türkiye’s nuclear roadmap is not dependent on a single partner, technology, or financing model. Instead, it creates a resilient, competitive, and future-proof nuclear sector. While challenges in financing, workforce scalability, and regulatory oversight must be addressed, Türkiye’s commitment to nuclear energy self-sufficiency by 2053 remains unwavering.
As Türkiye continues to strengthen its nuclear industry, its ability to export nuclear expertise, develop local industries, and enhance geopolitical leverage will solidify its role as a leader in the global nuclear arena. The parallel advancement of multiple nuclear projects is not just an energy policy—it is a national strategy to shape Türkiye’s future as a nuclear-powered economy.
