Nuclear Power: Key to Türkiye’s Green Tech Manufacturing Goals
Türkiye is undergoing a bold transformation of its industrial base as it advances toward its Net Zero Emissions target by 2053. In parallel, the country is accelerating its nuclear energy program with equal determination. Far from being separate initiatives, these two trajectories are deeply intertwined. As Türkiye scales up green manufacturing sectors—such as electric vehicles, advanced battery production, and clean hydrogen—its need for stable, large-scale, low-carbon energy becomes increasingly urgent. Nuclear power stands out as a strategic enabler in this context, offering the reliable and emissions-free electricity required to decarbonize energy-intensive industries. The convergence of industrial ambition and nuclear development is shaping a new economic model—one that positions Türkiye at the forefront of the global green transition.
Türkiye's Nuclear Energy Foundation: Akkuyu and Future Expansion
Türkiye is embarking on a bold nuclear energy program, aiming to install 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050—a monumental goal for a country that currently has no operational commercial nuclear reactors. This nuclear expansion strategy is comprehensive, encompassing both conventional large-scale reactors and next-generation small modular reactors (SMRs).
At the heart of Türkiye’s nuclear development is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, a 4.8 GW project comprising four VVER-1200 reactors built in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom. The plant is nearing completion, with Unit 1 expected to be commissioned in 2025. Building on this momentum, Türkiye has initiated plans for a second nuclear facility in Sinop, also projected at 4.8 GW, with Russia again emerging as a potential partner. Additionally, a third site is being prepared in Thrace, with China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) expected to play a key role using CAP1400 reactor technology. Together, these three projects are designed to add 14 GW of nuclear capacity, laying the foundation for Türkiye’s long-term energy security and decarbonization.
Türkiye’s multi-vendor strategy—engaging partners from Russia, China, South Korea, and potentially others—demonstrates a pragmatic approach to risk diversification and technology acquisition. By fostering competition among international technology providers, Türkiye aims to ensure cost-effective, timely, and high-quality project execution.
A critical component of this strategy is the deployment of SMRs, which Türkiye aims to contribute 5 GW to its total nuclear mix by 2050. In March 2025, the government unveiled plans for a nationally designed SMR alongside the establishment of a pioneering nuclear technopark, signaling its commitment to domestic innovation. To accelerate progress, Ankara is actively building international partnerships, having signed Memoranda of Understanding and initiated discussions with leading SMR developers from the United States, the United Kingdom, and other advanced nuclear countries. Companies such as Westinghouse and Rolls-Royce are already exploring opportunities to bring their advanced SMR designs to the Turkish market. With the estimated value of Türkiye’s SMR market projected to reach between $10 billion and $30 billion by 2050, the sector is drawing substantial international interest. Türkiye’s bold and multifaceted nuclear strategy not only positions it as a future clean energy hub in the region but also underscores its intent to play a leading role in the global nuclear renaissance.
Powering Green Industries: Energy Demands of EVs, Batteries, and Green Hydrogen
The transition to a green economy—especially within the manufacturing sector—entails inherently energy-intensive processes. For instance, producing a typical passenger vehicle demands approximately 41.8 megajoules per kilogram (MJ/kg), with nearly 68% of that energy consumed during the mining and material production phases. In the case of electric vehicles (EVs), this challenge is even more pronounced. Due to the energy requirements of battery manufacturing, EV production emits roughly 25% more CO₂ than that of internal combustion engine vehicles.
Battery cell manufacturing is particularly energy-demanding. Producing a single battery cell with 1 kWh of storage capacity requires between 20 and 40 kWh of electricity. At scale, global battery factories are projected to consume as much as 130,000 gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually by 2040. Similarly, the production of green hydrogen through electrolysis—a cornerstone of clean industrial fuel—requires around 50 kWh of electricity per kilogram of hydrogen.
These massive and continuous energy demands make clear the importance of stable, low-carbon baseload power. Nuclear energy, with its high reliability and zero direct emissions, is uniquely positioned to meet the industrial energy needs of a decarbonized economy. By supplying consistent power to energy-intensive manufacturing processes, nuclear energy helps minimize embedded carbon in end products while supporting uninterrupted, large-scale industrial production.
Nuclear Energy's Decarbonization Imperative for Turkish Industry
Nuclear power plants provide large-scale, continuous, and reliable baseload electricity, essential for grid stability and reducing fossil fuel reliance. While nuclear power plants produce virtually no CO2 during operation, their lifecycle emissions (10-40 g CO2e/kWh) are significantly lower than coal (over 800 g CO2e/kWh) and natural gas (around 400 g CO2e/kWh). Globally, nuclear power is the second-largest source of low-carbon electricity, and provided about 26% of all low-carbon electricity generated in 2022. Beyond electricity, nuclear energy can provide carbon-free process heat and steam for energy-intensive industries like cement, chemicals, and steel, aiding in hard-to-abate sector decarbonization. The long operational lifespan (60-80+ years) and stable operating costs of nuclear plants offer predictable energy costs, reducing financial risk for green manufacturing facilities.
Strategic Advantage: Nuclear's Stability Over Intermittent Renewables
Nuclear power offers a distinct strategic advantage over intermittent renewables like wind and solar for industrial operations due to its consistent output. U.S. nuclear plants operated at nearly 93% capacity in 2021, almost double that of coal and natural gas, and triple that of wind and solar. This high reliability provides "always-on" baseload electricity, critical for energy-intensive manufacturing processes requiring uninterrupted operation. Nuclear power minimizes the need for expensive backup systems or production interruptions caused by renewable intermittency, optimizing output and reducing operational costs. Its consistent output also contributes to grid stability, reducing overall system costs associated with integrating high shares of renewables. SMRs, in particular, can flexibly adjust output to complement renewables, further enhancing grid stability and potentially reducing overall system costs in renewables-heavy systems.
Türkiye's Policy Framework and Investment Drive for Green Manufacturing
Türkiye’s 2053 Net Zero Emission Target is underpinned by a comprehensive Long-Term Climate Strategy, which spans key sectors including energy, transport, and industry. A major pillar of this transition is the transformation of the country’s automotive sector, where Türkiye has emerged as the world’s 12th largest automobile producer. Leading this shift is the domestic brand Togg, which is driving the national electric vehicle (EV) revolution toward 2030. To utilise this momentum, global players are also entering the market. Notably, China’s BYD is investing $1 billion in an EV manufacturing plant in Türkiye, projected to produce 150,000 vehicles annually by late 2026. Complementing this growth, the Turkish government has announced a substantial investment package—$5 billion earmarked for EVs and an additional $4.5 billion for battery production.
Türkiye’s Climate Change Mitigation Strategy envisions 2.5 million EVs on its roads by 2030, with an ambitious target of 35% domestic production and 75% local component content. In line with this, the battery sector has seen over $1 billion in investments in 2024 alone, with a national goal of achieving 80 GWh of storage capacity by 2030. Parallel to advancements in EVs and battery technologies, Türkiye is also laying the foundation for a hydrogen economy. The 2023 Hydrogen Strategy outlines a phased expansion—2 GW of electrolyser capacity by 2030, 5 GW by 2035, and scaling up to 70 GW by 2053.
To ensure that heavy industry aligns with climate targets, Türkiye has launched the Türkiye Industrial Decarbonization Investment Platform (TIDIP), led by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). This initiative focuses on decarbonizing high-emission sectors such as iron and steel, aluminum, cement, and fertilizers. Complementing these efforts, an Emissions Trading System (ETS) is being introduced to curb industrial emissions and support adaptation to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
Navigating Global Trade: Geopolitical and Economic Implications, including CBAM
The EU’s CBAM presents a critical challenge—and opportunity—for Türkiye’s export-driven economy. Designed to prevent "carbon leakage" and ensure a level playing field, CBAM imposes a levy on the carbon content of certain imported goods entering the EU. Following its transitional phase that began in October 2023, full implementation is scheduled for 2026. The mechanism currently targets high-emission sectors, including iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, hydrogen, and electricity. Given that the EU is Türkiye’s largest trading partner, the implications are significant. Without decisive decarbonization efforts, Turkish exporters could face an estimated “carbon bill” ranging from €1.1 to €1.8 billion annually. As a result, CBAM is compelling Turkish industries to accelerate their decarbonization roadmaps in order to preserve market access and remain competitive.
In this context, nuclear energy emerges as a strategic asset. By reducing the carbon intensity of industrial production, nuclear power directly contributes to lowering CBAM-related levies on Turkish exports. Additionally, Türkiye’s investments in clean hydrogen—especially when powered by nuclear—position the country to become a supplier of low-carbon energy carriers. This not only mitigates the financial risk posed by CBAM but also opens doors to new export opportunities aligned with the evolving demands of the global green economy. Through such a proactive approach, Türkiye is transforming a potential liability into a competitive advantage, securing its place in future climate-aligned value chains and reinforcing its role in sustainable global trade.
Moving Forward: Türkiye's Path to a Sustainable Industrial Future
Türkiye’s strategic integration of nuclear energy is emerging as a cornerstone of its green industrial transformation. The dependable, low-carbon baseload power from facilities such as the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant—along with upcoming large-scale reactors and future SMRs—is critical to powering the next generation of energy-intensive sectors, including electric vehicles, advanced battery manufacturing, and clean hydrogen production. This clean and continuous energy supply provides a distinct competitive advantage by lowering the carbon footprint of manufacturing and strengthening Türkiye’s trade position under international regulatory frameworks like the CBAM.
By embedding nuclear power within its broader industrial and energy strategy, Türkiye is advancing a cohesive path toward net zero while also enhancing energy security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. Adding further momentum to this direction, the upcoming 3rd edition of the Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2025 will convene policymakers, industry leaders, and investors. As the country’s premier nuclear energy forum, TNBP 2025 will serve as a central platform for high-level dialogue, strategic partnership-building, and the identification of actionable investment opportunities within Türkiye’s evolving nuclear landscape.
Through this integrated approach, Türkiye is positioning itself as a resilient, competitive, and sustainable green industrial hub—where clean energy and industrial innovation converge to drive long-term growth and climate leadership.
