Türkiye's nuclear programme combines power-plant construction, independent regulation, research infrastructure, workforce development and long-term energy planning. Its most advanced project is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant under construction in Gülnar, Mersin, on the Mediterranean coast.
Is nuclear power operating in Türkiye?
The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources stated in its July 2026 overview that construction at Akkuyu continues. It is important to distinguish a unit under construction from a reactor in commercial operation. Completion of major construction work is followed by commissioning tests, regulatory permissions, fuel loading, power ascension and commercial-operation steps.
Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant
Akkuyu is designed with four VVER-1200 pressurised-water reactor units. Each unit has a capacity of approximately 1,200 MW, giving the complete station an expected capacity of about 4,800 MW. The Ministry estimates annual generation of roughly 35 TWh once all four units are operating, comparable to around 10% of Türkiye's 2024 electricity consumption.
The project is being implemented under a build-own-operate model established by a 2010 intergovernmental agreement between Türkiye and Russia. The project company's commercial role does not replace Turkish regulation. The Nuclear Regulatory Authority, or NDK, is responsible for regulatory oversight and licensing within Türkiye.
Plans beyond Akkuyu
Official policy describes plans for two additional large-scale nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace. Technology, financing, localisation and international cooperation options are under discussion. These plans should not be described as operating plants or construction projects unless formal decisions and licensing milestones support that status.
Small modular reactors are also included among Türkiye's longer-term options. Interest in an SMR programme does not by itself mean that a vendor, site or final investment decision has been selected.
Who does what?
- The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources develops energy policy and programme objectives.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Authority regulates nuclear safety, security and radiation protection.
- TENMAK conducts research, testing, training and technology-development activities.
- TÜNAŞ is associated with developing nuclear-energy projects and national project capability.
Separating the promoter, operator, research body and regulator is essential when interpreting announcements about the Turkish nuclear sector.
Why is Türkiye pursuing nuclear energy?
Official policy highlights energy diversification, continuous low-carbon generation and the national net-zero target. Nuclear power can provide output that is not dependent on daily weather conditions. It also requires large upfront investment, long project schedules, radioactive-waste arrangements and durable institutional capacity.
Its contribution should therefore be assessed together with renewables, storage, grids, efficiency and flexible resources rather than as a stand-alone solution. Project schedules and targets can change, so current official and regulatory sources should take precedence over undated summaries.
Sources
- Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Nuclear Power Plants in Türkiye and the World: https://enerji.gov.tr/negm-ulkemizde-ve-dunyada-nukleer-santraller
- Nuclear Regulatory Authority: https://www.ndk.gov.tr/
- IAEA, Country Nuclear Power Profiles — Türkiye: https://cnpp.iaea.org/public/countries/TR/profile/highlights
- IAEA, IRRS Mission to Türkiye: https://www.iaea.org/sites/default/files/documents/review-missions/final_irrs_report_turkiye.pdf