SMRs in Türkiye: 5 Ways They’ll Shape a 2050 Energy Future

Türkiye is gearing up for a bold energy transformation, aiming to achieve 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050—with a significant 5 GW coming from cutting-edge small modular reactors (SMRs). These compact yet powerful technologies are more than just another energy source; they promise to revolutionize how the country meets the growing demands of its booming digital hubs, industrial centers, smart cities, and maritime operations. But what makes SMRs such a game-changer for Türkiye’s energy landscape? Here we dive into the top five ways SMRs are set to make a tangible impact—unlocking new efficiencies, supporting sustainable growth, and positioning Türkiye as a regional leader in advanced nuclear technology.

1) Meeting Energy Demand in Data Centers

Türkiye’s data center sector is booming, thanks to its strategic position as a digital bridge linking Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Valued at around USD 471 million in 2023, the market is projected to grow to approximately USD 688 million by 2029, driven by a 6.5% CAGR. But this rapid digital expansion comes with a high energy demand—one that currently leans heavily on fossil fuels, challenging both Türkiye’s decarbonization targets and the net-zero goals of global tech giants. That’s where small modular reactors (SMRs) come in. Offering up to 300 MW(e) of consistent, low-carbon power, a single SMR can support the energy needs of a hyperscale data center while cutting carbon emissions by nearly 1 million tons annually compared to coal-fired alternatives. Their compact footprint makes SMRs ideal for deployment near urban tech hubs like Istanbul and Ankara, seamlessly integrating with existing digital infrastructure. Unlike intermittent renewables, SMRs provide round-the-clock baseload power—crucial for uninterrupted data operations. With Türkiye backing the “Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy by 2050” at COP29, SMRs stand out as a practical and scalable solution to power the country’s digital future sustainably.

2) Decarbonizing the Manufacturing Sector

Manufacturing is the backbone of Türkiye’s industrial output, contributing around 84% to the total, with major hubs like Izmir, Bursa, and Kocaeli hosting energy-intensive sectors such as steel, cement, and textiles. These industries primarily depend on coal and natural gas, leading to high energy costs and substantial carbon emissions. In 2020 alone, industry—including manufacturing—accounted for about 30.57% of Türkiye’s total energy consumption, up from 29.63% in 2019. As Türkiye aligns with the EU-Türkiye Green Deal, decarbonizing the manufacturing sector has become essential to maintaining global competitiveness. Small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a powerful solution by delivering both electricity and high-temperature process heat, ideal for industrial use. For example, SMRs can enable clean hydrogen production for steel manufacturing, significantly lowering emissions and costs. Unlike renewables, which are generally limited to electricity generation, SMRs provide the versatility needed for complex industrial processes. Their long-term operational savings and scalability make them a practical, cost-effective alternative to fossil fuels. Given Türkiye’s strong industrial base and strategic location near European markets, adopting SMRs can drive sustainable modernization in manufacturing while meeting both economic and environmental objectives.

3) Supporting Smart City Development

Türkiye is making bold strides in smart city development and special economic zones, with major initiatives underway in cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Antalya. These projects aim to create sustainable, tech-driven urban environments through innovations such as IoT integration, energy-efficient buildings, and electric vehicle infrastructure. Guided by the National Smart Cities Strategy and Action Plan (2020–2023), developed by the Ministry of Environment and Urbanization, the vision is clear: to build "Livable and Sustainable Cities that Add Value to Life." With revenue in Türkiye’s Smart Cities market projected to reach over USD 562 million by 2025 and grow to approximately USD 808 million by 2029 at a 9.46% CAGR, the momentum is strong—but so are the energy demands. Smart cities require reliable, low-carbon power to function efficiently, and this is where small modular reactors (SMRs) can play a transformative role. SMRs can provide clean electricity and district heating, power electric vehicle charging stations, and stabilize smart grids—making them ideal for energy-intensive urban systems. Their compact design allows deployment close to or within urban zones, unlike traditional reactors, and their ability to integrate with microgrids boosts resilience against outages. Unlike renewables, SMRs deliver steady, uninterrupted power—essential for IoT-dependent systems. With Türkiye’s regulatory backing and strategic investments in urban technology, SMRs offer a powerful, scalable solution to fuel the country's smart city vision sustainably.

4) Advancing Sustainable Maritime and Port Operations

Türkiye’s maritime sector plays a crucial role in the nation’s economy, with major ports like Istanbul, Izmir, and Mersin serving as key gateways for international trade across the Black Sea and Mediterranean. In 2024 alone, Turkish ports handled 13.5 million TEUs, underscoring their importance in global containerized shipping. However, current port and shipping operations rely heavily on diesel generators, leading to high emissions and operational costs. As Türkiye pushes to become a green shipping hub and aligns with international maritime regulations, such as those from the International Maritime Organization, clean energy solutions are becoming vital. Small modular reactors (SMRs)—particularly floating or barge-mounted designs—offer a transformative path forward. These SMRs can supply clean electricity and heat for port operations, power ship charging stations, and support offshore industries. They also enable hydrogen production for zero-emission vessels, significantly enhancing port sustainability. Unlike conventional reactors, floating SMRs don’t require land-based infrastructure, making them ideal for coastal deployment. They provide consistent, high-capacity power unaffected by weather, unlike renewables, and their modular nature allows quick installation in port areas. With Türkiye’s strategic maritime location, growing role in global logistics, and commitment to green shipping, SMRs present a powerful, scalable solution to modernize and decarbonize the country’s marine sector.

5) Strengthening International Nuclear Partnerships

Türkiye is rapidly expanding its international nuclear partnerships to strengthen its capabilities in advanced reactor technologies, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). Collaborations with global leaders like Westinghouse, Rolls-Royce, and Rosatom are central to this effort. The Türkiye Nuclear Energy Company (TÜNAŞ) has already evaluated 11 SMR designs, and a 2024 memorandum of understanding with Rolls-Royce is exploring the deployment of 400–450 MW(e) SMRs. These initiatives, supported by the Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) and spotlighted at global forums like COP29, emphasize technology transfer, capacity building, and regulatory preparedness. At TNBP 2023, NDK Vice President Ibrahim Halil Dere affirmed Türkiye’s commitment to navigating complex regulatory pathways for SMRs, highlighting the country's readiness to engage with diverse reactor technologies. Through these international collaborations, Türkiye is positioning itself not just as an adopter but also as a co-developer of SMRs tailored to its own industrial and urban needs. This will help build a skilled workforce, establish local supply chains, and potentially make Türkiye a regional exporter of SMR technology to the Middle East and Central Asia. SMRs' standardized and modular designs lower both development costs and lead times compared to conventional nuclear plants, making them ideal for cross-border cooperation. Their flexibility in serving multiple sectors—unlike single-use energy sources—aligns with Türkiye’s energy diversification goals. With strong regulatory alignment to IAEA standards and growing engagement with global nuclear firms, Türkiye is setting itself up as a future innovation leader in the SMR space.

Moving Ahead

The global SMR market is on the cusp of explosive growth, expanding from a valuation of $0.27 billion in 2024 to an estimated $0.67 billion by 2025—a staggering 152.1% CAGR—with projections reaching between $6.14 billion and $14.84 billion by 2032, fueled by strong policy support and regional adoption. Türkiye’s ambitious 5 GW SMR target represents a massive investment opportunity, estimated between $10 billion and $30 billion, signaling the country’s serious commitment to becoming a leader in this space. This commitment was powerfully reinforced by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s announcement at the 2030 Industry and Technology Strategy Meeting in Ankara, unveiling plans for a nationally designed SMR and a dedicated nuclear technopark. Türkiye is rapidly positioning itself as a hub for nuclear innovation, with the upcoming Türkiye Nuclear Business Platform (TNBP) 2025 in Mersin set to be a pivotal event. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, and investors, TNBP 2025 will drive forward vital conversations on nuclear innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth—highlighting how SMRs are not just an energy solution but a cornerstone for Türkiye’s future economic and technological leadership.