Türkiye’s Nuclear Leap Forward: SMRs and Technopark Unveiled
On March 26, 2025, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan announced a transformative step in Türkiye’s nuclear journey during the "2030 Industry and Technology Strategy Meeting" in Ankara. Unveiling plans for a nationally designed small modular reactor (SMR) and a pioneering nuclear technopark, Türkiye is poised to redefine its energy future and cement its role as an emerging leader in nuclear innovation. As the organizer of the Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2025, we are thrilled to spotlight this breaking news and its profound implications for the global nuclear industry.
A Bold Vision for Nuclear Energy
Erdoğan’s announcement is a cornerstone of Türkiye’s ambitious 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy, aimed at achieving technological independence and sustainable energy security. Türkiye targets 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, with approximately 15 GW from large-scale reactors—led by three planned projects at Akkuyu, Sinop, and Thrace—and 5 GW from innovative SMRs. The national SMR initiative, paired with a nuclear technopark, builds on prior engagements like the 2019 MoU with Rolls-Royce and recent calls from Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar at CERAWeek 2025 for U.S. investment in Türkiye’s SMR sector. Leveraging its vast thorium reserves, Türkiye aims to pioneer sustainable nuclear solutions.
The Akkuyu NPP, Türkiye’s first large-scale nuclear project, is nearing completion in Mersin with Rosatom’s collaboration. When fully operational, its four VVER-1200 reactors will deliver 4.8 GW of capacity, with Unit 1 expected online by 2026—progress underscored by recent fuel loading milestones. Meanwhile, plans for Sinop (with potential partners South Korea or Russia) and Thrace (with potential partner China) aim to add another 10 GW from large reactors, though negotiations and site studies are still underway. The SMR focus complements these efforts, offering flexibility for remote regions and industrial hubs.
Why This Matters Now
The timing of Erdoğan’s announcement—fresh as of yesterday—reflects Türkiye’s urgency to diversify its energy mix amid rising demand and geopolitical shifts. The nuclear technopark will foster R&D, workforce training, and global collaboration, while the SMR project positions Türkiye as a potential technology exporter. With Akkuyu advancing and Sinop and Thrace in the pipeline, this dual strategy amplifies opportunities across the nuclear supply chain.
TNBP 2025: Your Gateway to Türkiye’s Nuclear Future
The Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2025, now in its 3rd year, is uniquely positioned to unpack these developments. As the premier event for Türkiye’s nuclear sector, TNBP 2025 will be the first major forum to explore the implications of Erdoğan’s vision, offering unparalleled insights into:
National SMR Development: Scaling up to 5 GW with Türkiye’s own designs.
Large Reactor Progress: Updates on Akkuyu (4.8 GW), Sinop, and Thrace.
Nuclear Technopark: A hub for innovation and partnerships.
Business Opportunities: Connecting vendors and investors to Türkiye’s 20 GW goal.
This year’s event will feature expert panels, technology showcases, and networking sessions tailored to these breakthroughs. With Türkiye’s nuclear ambitions now in the spotlight, TNBP 2025 is your chance to engage with key stakeholders—from TÜNAŞ and TENMAK to international players like Rosatom, Rolls-Royce, and U.S. firms eager to invest.
Join the Conversation
President Erdoğan’s announcement is a call to action for the nuclear community. Whether you’re a technology provider, investor, or policymaker, TNBP 2025 offers a front-row seat to Türkiye’s nuclear leap forward. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for updates as we integrate this historic development into our agenda.
Get the Agenda Now: Visit [https://www.nuclearbusiness-platform.com/turkiye/tnbp/#brochure] for details.
