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Türkiye intends to become a global producer and supplier of nuclear technology by 2050, while building around 20 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear power capacity as part of its long-term energy strategy, Deputy Energy and Natural Resources Minister Zafer Demircan said Saturday during World Nuclear Week in Moscow.
Nuclear energy has become a necessity for countries facing climate challenges under the Paris Agreement framework, and Türkiye has already set its plans and targets in line with these requirements, Demircan stated.
"Our objective is to manufacture reactors in Türkiye and later expand this capability to a global scale," he added, pointing to the progress in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project.
Demircan emphasized that Türkiye’s ambitions go beyond building and operating reactors. The government intends to develop local capabilities to design and manufacture nuclear systems at home, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.
"Our objective is to manufacture reactors in Türkiye and later expand this capability globally," he said.
To achieve this, Türkiye is investing in training programs and technical education to build specialized human resources. Industrial upgrades are also underway to raise domestic manufacturing to nuclear standards.
Demircan said these efforts are designed to create a full nuclear ecosystem that can sustain itself and eventually serve export markets.
A central part of this strategy involves small modular reactors (SMRs), a newer technology that offers flexibility, shorter construction times, and potentially lower costs than traditional large-scale plants.
Demircan said the ministry is preparing an action plan to support SMRs, backed by a legal framework that would allow their integration into the national grid.
By 2050, Türkiye expects roughly one-quarter of its planned nuclear capacity, about 5 GW, to come from SMRs.
"These are new technologies not only for Türkiye but also for the world. We recognize their potential and intend to make progress, including on a domestic design," Demircan said.
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Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, is under construction in the southern province of Mersin through a 2010 intergovernmental agreement with Russia.
The project consists of four units currently being built and, once operational in 2028, is expected to meet 10% of the country’s electricity demand.
Beyond Akkuyu, Türkiye has plans for additional large-scale plants in Sinop on the Black Sea coast and in the Thrace region of northwestern Türkiye.
Together, these projects form the backbone of the country’s nuclear program, complementing future investments in modular reactors.
In parallel with domestic initiatives, Türkiye is broadening its international cooperation.
Last week, Ankara signed a "Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding" with the United States, which Deputy Minister Demircan described as a step toward advancing Türkiye’s dual role as an energy operator and technology supplier.
The agreement adds to Türkiye’s ongoing partnership with Russia on Akkuyu.
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