Turkiye launches an initiative to develop indigenous nuclear reactors as part of its energy strategy, aimed at strengthening energy security and reducing foreign dependency.
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| Turkiye has launched a new initiative to develop indigenous nuclear reactors to strengthen its energy security and reduce dependence on foreign sources. The initiative is part of its broader energy strategy to reach net-zero emissions by 2050. Image Courtesy: AA/ DS |
Ankara, Turkiye — September 15, 2025
Turkiye has announced a bold new move in its national energy strategy with the launch of a call for the development of indigenous nuclear reactors. This ambitious initiative, unveiled by Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacır, aims to strengthen Turkiye’s energy security, reduce foreign energy dependency, and contribute significantly to its net-zero emissions target. The development of local nuclear technology will allow Turkiye to diversify its energy sources and further secure its energy future in the face of rising global energy demands.
The announcement comes as Turkiye is nearing the completion of its first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, situated in the Mediterranean region. The $20 billion Akkuyu project, being constructed by the Russian conglomerate Rosatom, will be equipped with four reactors capable of generating 4.8 gigawatts (GW) of power. Once fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to provide about 10% of Turkiye’s electricity needs, marking a major milestone in the country’s efforts to become a global player in nuclear energy.
This new initiative, dubbed the "Domestic Nuclear Reactor Development Call," is part of Turkiye’s broader National Technology Initiative, which focuses on reducing the country’s reliance on foreign technology while fostering innovation in various sectors, including energy. The call for developing indigenous nuclear reactors signals a shift towards increasing local production capabilities and integrating advanced nuclear technology with Turkiye’s domestic industries, universities, and research institutes, including TENMAK and TÜBİTAK.
Minister Kacır emphasized that Turkiye is not just looking to adopt foreign nuclear technologies but is determined to chart its own path in the nuclear energy sector. He highlighted that this move would solidify Turkiye’s energy independence and enhance its national strength. The country’s commitment to advancing nuclear energy technologies through local production is seen as a strategic decision to ensure energy security, reduce dependence on imports, and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Turkiye’s nuclear energy aspirations are already taking shape with the Akkuyu plant, set to be one of the largest nuclear power plants in the region. The plant’s first reactor, expected to be online soon, will have a nameplate capacity of around 1,200 MW, with the remaining three reactors set to come online in 2026, 2027, and 2028. The completion of Akkuyu will place Turkiye among the select few nations with the capability to generate nuclear power for civilian use, enabling the country to move away from fossil fuels and towards more sustainable, clean energy sources.
However, Turkiye’s plans don’t stop with Akkuyu. The country is eyeing further nuclear capacity with two additional plants planned in the northwestern Thrace region and the Black Sea province of Sinop. By 2035, Turkiye aims to have 7.2 GW of nuclear power in operation, with a long-term vision to reach 20 GW by 2050.
Through the new initiative, Turkiye aims to support the local development of advanced nuclear reactors. Applications for the program will be accepted until December 31, 2025. The government is looking to leverage the skills and expertise of Turkiye’s domestic industries, research institutions, and universities to develop next-generation nuclear reactors. With the Akkuyu plant nearing completion, this initiative will ensure that Turkiye doesn’t rely on external players for future nuclear energy projects.
Officials estimate that Turkiye will need at least eight more reactors, along with the addition of 5 GW of small modular reactors (SMRs), to meet the growing demand for electricity while strengthening energy security. These reactors are seen as key to providing affordable electricity while ensuring the country’s continued economic growth and environmental sustainability.
The initiative to develop domestic nuclear reactors is a significant step in Turkiye's ambition to become a leader in sustainable energy. It reflects a broader trend of energy independence and technological sovereignty that many countries are pursuing in the face of global energy challenges and geopolitical tensions.
For Turkiye, becoming self-sufficient in nuclear energy will not only help address its growing energy demands but also contribute to its net-zero goals. As the country continues to build its energy infrastructure, the emphasis on locally produced clean energy aligns with its commitment to climate action and a greener future.
This move also places Turkiye in a competitive position within the global energy market. As the country looks to expand its nuclear energy capacity, it has the potential to become a regional hub for nuclear technology, exporting its innovations to neighboring countries and beyond.
The future of Turkiye's energy strategy hinges on its ability to foster innovation, reduce its dependence on external sources, and enhance its technological capabilities. The indigenous nuclear reactor initiative is a crucial step in this process and has the potential to reshape the country’s energy landscape for decades to come.