Türkiye's nuclear energy program is not just a power plant project. Program; It covers regulation, security, research, human resources, supply chain and long-term energy planning. Today, the most visible element of this program is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, built in Gülnar district of Mersin.
Are there any nuclear power plants operating in Türkiye?
According to the statement of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources dated July 2026, the construction of Akkuyu NPP continues. For this reason, it is necessary to distinguish between the terms "reactor under construction" and "reactor in commercial operation". Substantial completion of construction of a unit does not mean that it is producing commercially to the electric grid; commissioning tests and regulatory processes are separate phases.
Main features of Akkuyu NPP
Four VVER-1200 units are planned at the Akkuyu site. Each unit has approximately 1,200 MW electrical power. When all four units are commissioned, the total installed power is expected to be approximately 4,800 MW and the annual production is expected to be approximately 35 TWh. The Ministry states that this production will correspond to approximately 10 percent of Türkiye's 2024 electricity consumption.
The project is carried out with the build-own-operate model. In this model, the project company assumes broad responsibility for the financing, construction, operation and subsequent dismantling stages of the power plant. Safety-related permits and inspections are under the jurisdiction of Türkiye's independent regulatory authority, the Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
Sinop, Thrace and small modular reactors
In the Ministry's current energy vision, it is stated that two more large-scale nuclear power plants are planned in Sinop and Thrace. Technology, partnership, financing and localization options are being evaluated for these projects. The status of a licensed and constructed facility is not the same as a project still in the planning and negotiation phase.
Small modular reactors are also among Türkiye's long-term options. However, mentioning a technology in an energy strategy does not mean that a particular design has been chosen or that the investment decision has been completed.
Why does Türkiye want nuclear energy?
Three main justifications stand out in official policy documents: diversification of electricity supply, uninterrupted low-carbon production and a 2053 net zero emissions target. Nuclear energy can produce regardless of weather conditions; On the other hand, it requires high initial investment, long project duration, waste management and institutional capacity. Therefore, its contribution should be evaluated together with cost, grid, renewable energy, storage and energy efficiency.
Major institutions in Türkiye
- The Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources implements the energy policy and program objectives.
- The Nuclear Regulatory Authority undertakes regulatory duties in the field of safety, security, radiation protection and licensing.
- TENMAK develops research, technology, measurement, training and laboratory infrastructure.
- TÜNAŞ is associated with nuclear energy projects and public sector project development studies.
Current information about nuclear energy in Türkiye can change rapidly. For project schedules, it is best to look at the regulatory agency and Ministry statements before news summaries.
Resources
- T.R. Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, Nuclear Power Plants in Our Country and in 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