Türkiye’s 20 GW Nuclear Energy Landscape: What Attracts and Awaits Private Companies
As the global energy landscape moves decisively toward sustainability and energy security, Türkiye is positioning itself as a key destination for nuclear energy development. With a national target to install 20 GW of nuclear capacity by 2050, the country offers a substantial and long-term opportunity for private investment in clean, capital-intensive energy infrastructure. The combination of increasing electricity demand, decarbonization goals, and strong government backing for nuclear expansion is reshaping Türkiye’s power sector and creating a favourable environment for both domestic and international participation. While the market holds significant promise—including ongoing large-scale projects, prospects in Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and nuclear R&D initiatives—successful entry will require more than financial and technological capabilities. Private players must navigate a range of strategic considerations, including regulatory frameworks, localization requirements, geopolitical factors, and stakeholder engagement. The ability to align with these dynamics will be central to accessing and sustaining a role in Türkiye’s evolving nuclear program.
Türkiye’s Strategic Energy Landscape: The Nuclear Imperative
Türkiye's electricity consumption is rising rapidly—from 347.9 TWh in 2024 to a projected 510.5 TWh by 2035. This increase stems from accelerating industrialization, a growing digital economy, and sustained population growth. Despite efforts to expand renewable energy, the national grid remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels. In 2024, coal accounted for 35.2% and natural gas for 18.9% of total generation—both largely imported, raising concerns about supply security and exposure to volatile international markets.
Nuclear power has become a cornerstone of Türkiye’s strategy to diversify its energy mix, reduce emissions, and enhance self-reliance. The commissioning of the 4.8 GW Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, developed with Russia’s Rosatom under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model, represents the country’s first large-scale entry into civilian nuclear energy. Unit 1 is slated for grid connection in 2025, with the remaining units to follow in subsequent years.
Building on this momentum, Türkiye is planning a second 4.8 GW plant in Sinop and a 5.6 GW third facility in Thrace. While Russia remains a prominent technology partner, China’s State Power Investment Corporation (SPIC) is expected to contribute CAP1400 reactors at the Thrace site. This long-term expansion creates a fertile environment for foreign and domestic private participation across the value chain—from technology providers and EPC firms to investors and service companies.
Technology Strategy and Localization: Strategic Entry Points for Private Sector Players
Türkiye’s approach to nuclear development is characterized by a deliberate diversification of technology partners and design types. The initial preference for Russia’s Generation III+ VVER-1200 reactors reflects a focus on proven, globally accepted technology with advanced safety features. However, Türkiye is simultaneously preparing for a future where indigenous capacity and advanced modular solutions play a central role.
The government's push for SMRs is a clear signal of this shift. A target of 5 GW of SMR capacity by 2050 has been set, supported by state-led initiatives to develop domestic SMR designs. The March 2025 launch of a “Nuclear Technopark” by President Erdoğan marks the beginning of a national innovation hub to drive reactor development, supply chain innovation, and workforce training. This opens the door for private players with capabilities in SMR deployment, co-development, and modular reactor engineering to become early movers in an evolving sub-sector.
Localization remains another fundamental pillar. Türkiye has demonstrated its commitment through the Akkuyu NPP, which achieved a 56% local content rate during construction. Turkish companies provided materials, logistics, and engineering services—not only enhancing domestic industrial capacity, but also positioning local firms to participate in international nuclear supply chains. For private players, this underscores the importance of building strong partnerships with Turkish firms to navigate procurement processes, meet localization thresholds, and unlock government incentives.
Moreover, private players with specialized competencies—such as advanced component manufacturing, quality assurance systems, and project management—are well-placed to support Türkiye’s growing demand for nuclear-grade infrastructure and services. The success of Turkish companies in exporting nuclear components also suggests a maturing industrial base capable of absorbing and scaling technology transfer efforts.
Regulatory, Legal, and Investment Environment: Navigating the Institutional Terrain
A key consideration for any private player entering Türkiye’s nuclear sector is the regulatory and legal framework. The country’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) is tasked with overseeing licensing, safety, and compliance. While the BOO model used in Akkuyu established an operational precedent, future models—especially those involving foreign private entities—may differ significantly in terms of ownership, liability, and project structure.
Private firms must conduct thorough due diligence to understand how existing legislation applies to new project types, including those involving joint ventures or build-transfer models. Special attention should be paid to licensing timelines, environmental clearance processes, and risk allocation frameworks under Turkish law.
On the investment front, Türkiye offers one of the most robust incentive environments in the region. Strategic projects—such as nuclear power plants—qualify for significant benefits, including customs duty exemptions, VAT exemptions, corporate tax reductions, infrastructure support, and capital contributions. Project-based incentives, which are negotiated individually for high-impact investments, can substantially improve project bankability.
For private players, understanding how to align project proposals with Türkiye’s national energy and industrial policies can maximize eligibility for these incentives. Early engagement with the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MENR) and the Investment Office of the Presidency is advisable.
Human Capital: Strengthening Workforce Pipelines for Sustainable Operation
An effective nuclear program depends on a steady supply of qualified engineers, technicians, and operators. Türkiye has made significant progress in building its nuclear human capital pipeline. Each year, over 500 students receive government scholarships for graduate studies in nuclear engineering and related fields abroad—in Russia, the UK, the US, and Germany. Additionally, Türkiye has formal training collaborations with Rosatom, the IAEA, and other global institutions.
Two research reactors, ITU-TRR and TR-2, provide hands-on experience for students and researchers, while the Turkish Nuclear Training Centre (TNTC) offers technical training programs for operators and regulators.
Yet, with a national target of 20 GW of nuclear capacity, workforce demand is expected to grow substantially. Private players must consider how to source, train, or upskill labor—especially for highly specialized roles in commissioning, maintenance, safety, and control systems. Companies that contribute to existing training programs, support local universities, or establish in-house academies could gain strategic goodwill and long-term operational efficiency.
Public Perception, Safety, and Licensing Transparency
While Türkiye’s political leadership supports nuclear development, public perception remains a sensitive issue. Concerns around nuclear waste, safety, and environmental impact must be addressed proactively.
Private firms should not rely solely on government-mandated Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) to secure social acceptance. Rather, they should engage with local communities, environmental NGOs, and academic institutions to foster trust and transparency. Emphasizing job creation, local economic benefits, and safety standards aligned with international best practices (e.g., IAEA, EUR, WENRA) will be crucial in building public confidence.
Adopting a policy of inclusive stakeholder engagement—beginning at the feasibility stage—can serve as a critical differentiator for private players seeking long-term license to operate.
Geopolitical Considerations and Supply Chain Resilience
Türkiye’s unique position at the crossroads of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East presents a strategic advantage for nuclear energy development, enabling seamless access to diverse suppliers and global markets. This geographical strength supports Türkiye’s multi-vendor approach, which includes cooperation with Russia, China, South Korea, and others—fostering technological diversity and strategic balance.
For private players, this environment opens up opportunities to build robust and adaptable supply chains. Proactive measures such as developing localized supply networks, engaging in dual-source procurement, and exploring flexible logistics pathways can enhance resilience and ensure smooth project execution.
Moving Forward: A High-Stakes, High-Reward Market for Long-Term Players
Türkiye’s nuclear energy sector is undergoing significant transformation. With large-scale infrastructure developments, government-backed incentives, and a clear demand for clean and secure energy, the market offers a strong alignment between national priorities and private sector capabilities. For private players, the opportunity is clear. The focus must now be on entering the market with the necessary preparation, partnerships, and operational readiness.
In short, based on Türkiye’s evolving nuclear environment, private players are advised to:
Conduct legal and regulatory due diligence to understand ownership models, licensing regimes, and compliance standards.
Forge strategic partnerships with Turkish industrial, engineering, and academic institutions.
Align with Türkiye’s SMR vision and participate in the Nuclear Technopark for R&D and innovation opportunities.
Leverage investment incentives by tailoring proposals to national energy and industrial goals.
Invest in workforce development, either through direct training or collaboration with public institutions.
Design robust stakeholder engagement plans that go beyond formal requirements.
Build supply chain resilience by accounting for regional geopolitical dynamics and sourcing dependencies.
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. Private sector participation will be critical to the long-term success of Türkiye’s nuclear program. Achieving results will depend not only on technical expertise but also on regulatory understanding, local engagement, and alignment with national strategies.
