Powering Türkiye’s Ports and Harbors: Nuclear Energy’s Bright Future on the Coast
Türkiye stands at a critical juncture in its pursuit of energy security, economic prosperity, and environmental sustainability. With a rapidly growing economy and a strategic geographic position bridging Europe and Asia, Türkiye’s coastal ports and harbors serve as vital arteries of global trade, facilitating the seamless movement of goods, energy resources, and maritime commerce. The integration of nuclear energy into Türkiye’s energy mix, particularly through the development of nuclear power plants (NPPs) along its coastal regions, offers a transformative opportunity to enhance the resilience, efficiency, and sustainability of these essential infrastructure hubs. As part of a series exploring Türkiye’s nuclear energy sector, this narrative underscores the profound importance of nuclear power for the nation’s coastal ports and harbors, emphasizing recent advancements, strategic imperatives, and the goal of achieving 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, paving the way for a robust maritime and economic future.
The Strategic Role of Coastal Ports and Harbors in Türkiye
Türkiye’s coastline, stretching over 8,300 kilometers along the Black Sea, Aegean Sea, and Mediterranean Sea, is home to some of the region’s most dynamic ports, including Mersin, Izmir, and Istanbul. These ports serve as critical nodes in global supply chains, handling millions of tons of cargo annually and supporting industries ranging from manufacturing to agriculture. Mersin Port, for instance, is a gateway for Türkiye’s trade with the Middle East and Asia, while Izmir’s Alsancak Port is a hub for Aegean commerce. The economic vitality of these ports depends on reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy to power their operations, from cranes and logistics systems to cold storage and administrative facilities.
However, Türkiye’s heavy reliance on imported fossil fuels—particularly natural gas and coal—has exposed its ports to energy price volatility and supply chain disruptions. In 2024, fossil fuels accounted for 55% of Türkiye's electricity generation, with 61% of coal generation relying on imports, contributing to a persistent current account deficit and vulnerabilities in energy security. The integration of nuclear energy, with its stable, low-carbon, and high-capacity output, offers a strategic solution to these challenges, ensuring that Türkiye’s ports remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly uncertain global energy landscape
The Rise of Nuclear Power in Türkiye: A Coastal Nexus
Türkiye’s nuclear energy ambitions date back to the 1950s, but it is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, located on the Mediterranean coast near Mersin, that marks the nation’s entry into the nuclear age. Initiated in 2010 through a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) agreement with Russia’s Rosatom, Akkuyu is Türkiye’s first commercial NPP, comprising four VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 MW. The first unit is slated to begin operations in 2025, with subsequent units coming online annually through 2028. Once fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to generate approximately 10% of Türkiye’s electricity, providing a reliable baseload to support energy-intensive coastal infrastructure.
The choice of Akkuyu’s coastal location is no coincidence. Nuclear power plants require abundant water for cooling, making coastal sites ideal. Moreover, Akkuyu’s proximity to Mersin Port creates a synergistic relationship between nuclear energy and maritime commerce. The plant’s stable electricity supply will power port operations, reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets and enhancing operational efficiency. Additionally, Akkuyu’s strategic location positions it to support Türkiye’s broader energy export ambitions, potentially supplying electricity to neighboring countries via undersea cables, further elevating the region’s geopolitical significance.
Beyond Akkuyu, Türkiye has ambitious plans to expand its nuclear portfolio. The Sinop Nuclear Power Plant, planned for Turkey's Black Sea coast, is currently under negotiation, with Rosatom leading the bid and South Korea’s Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) emerging as a contender. Meanwhile, a third nuclear power plant is under consideration for the Thrace region, with ongoing discussions involving China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC).These projects underscore Türkiye’s commitment to leveraging its coastal geography to integrate nuclear energy into its national infrastructure, with ports and harbors as key beneficiaries
Economic and Operational Benefits for Ports and Harbors
The operational demands of modern ports are immense, requiring uninterrupted power to support container handling, refrigeration, and digital logistics systems. Nuclear energy’s ability to provide consistent, high-capacity electricity is uniquely suited to these needs. Unlike renewable sources such as solar or wind, which are subject to intermittency, nuclear power offers a stable baseload, ensuring that port operations remain unaffected by weather or time of day. This reliability is critical for maintaining Türkiye’s reputation as a dependable trade hub in a competitive global market.
Economically, nuclear energy promises significant cost savings for port operators. The high upfront costs of NPP construction are offset by low operational costs and long plant lifespans, typically 60–80 years. For ports, this translates into predictable energy prices, shielding them from the volatility of global fossil fuel markets. Moreover, the localization of nuclear supply chains—through partnerships with Turkish companies—will create jobs and stimulate economic activity in coastal regions. The construction of Akkuyu has actively involved Turkish firms in infrastructure development, with Rosatom maintaining strict requirements for employing local workers. These economic ripple effects will contribute to the prosperity of port communities, fostering sustainable development.
A Geopolitical Beacon of Strength
Türkiye’s nuclear energy program is a bold statement of its aspirations as a regional and global leader. By reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, particularly from volatile markets, nuclear power strengthens Türkiye’s energy sovereignty, enhancing its resilience in a complex geopolitical landscape. The Akkuyu project, with its technology transfer and training programs, is laying the foundation for a self-reliant nuclear sector, while future plants in Sinop and Thrace will further solidify Türkiye’s energy independence. These developments will elevate the strategic importance of Türkiye’s ports, positioning them as critical nodes in global energy and trade networks.
Moreover, nuclear energy opens doors for Türkiye to become an energy exporter, with the potential to supply clean electricity to neighboring countries. Ports near NPPs, such as Mersin and Istanbul, will play a pivotal role in this vision, facilitating the infrastructure needed for regional energy cooperation. By harnessing nuclear power, Türkiye is not only powering its ports but also amplifying its influence as a connector of continents and a champion of sustainable progress.
A Vision Realized
Türkiye’s coastal ports and harbors are the gateways to its economic and geopolitical aspirations, and nuclear energy is the key to unlocking their full potential. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, soon to illuminate the Mediterranean coast, is just the beginning, with the promise of Sinop and Thrace plants extending clean, reliable power to every corner of Türkiye’s shoreline. The upcoming Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2025, scheduled for October 8–10 in Mersin, will play a central role in shaping this future. As a leading forum for policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, the event offers a crucial platform for advancing dialogue around nuclear innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development, further cementing Türkiye’s position as a global nuclear energy leader. By embracing nuclear power, Türkiye is ensuring that its ports remain vibrant, competitive, and sustainable, driving prosperity for coastal communities and reinforcing its role as a global trade leader. This synergy between nuclear power and maritime infrastructure is a testament to Türkiye’s bold vision, where innovation, sustainability, and ambition converge to create a legacy of progress for generations to come.
