Ankara: Türkiye plans to build eight large-scale nuclear reactors in addition to the four units under construction at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, outlining a major expansion of the country’s long-term energy strategy. The new reactors are planned for Sinop on the Black Sea coast and the Thrace region, as Ankara seeks to strengthen energy security and meet rising demand.
The announcement, made during a visit to Paris, comes as Türkiye aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 20,000 megawatts by 2050. The expansion is expected to reduce reliance on imported energy and support economic growth driven by industrial activity and population increase.
Reactor projects and locations
The planned expansion includes four reactors in Sinop and four in the Thrace region (Igneada). Türkiye is already constructing its first nuclear power plant at Akkuyu in Mersin province in partnership with Rosatom State Atomic Energy Corporation.
Officials say additional projects may also include small modular reactors in both regions, as part of a broader effort to diversify nuclear technology and scale capacity over time.
International cooperation under discussion
Bayraktar said Türkiye is in talks with several countries, including South Korea and Canada, for potential cooperation on future nuclear projects. French companies are also expected to be involved in supplying equipment for Akkuyu and may participate in testing and future developments.
He added that discussions with France have included both large-scale nuclear plants and smaller modular reactor options.
Energy demand and infrastructure plans
Türkiye’s energy demand is expected to rise alongside economic expansion and population growth. Officials say the country’s diversified sourcing strategy has helped avoid immediate supply issues despite volatility in global oil and gas markets.
Bayraktar also highlighted growth in electric vehicles, noting that around 400,000 are currently in use, with a target of 6 million by 2035. This increase is expected to require expanded charging infrastructure nationwide.
Engagements at nuclear summit
On the sidelines of the Nuclear Energy Summit in Paris, Bayraktar held bilateral meetings with international counterparts, including Rafael Mariano Grossi, to discuss nuclear cooperation and regulatory frameworks.
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The planned expansion reflects Türkiye’s broader push to build a stable and diversified energy mix, with nuclear power playing a central role in long-term supply planning.
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