OMM Newsroom
Türkiye plans to begin the physical start-up of its first nuclear reactor at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant within weeks, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said, according to Anadolu Agency.
Speaking at events organized by Russia’s state nuclear corporation “Rosatom” during the COP31 climate summit in Antalya, Bayraktar highlighted nuclear energy’s role in meeting climate goals and ensuring reliable electricity supplies.
Türkiye is prioritizing action on climate commitments at COP31, he said, and has called on countries to commit to a target of electrifying 35% of their economies by 2035. Bayraktar described the target as ambitious and challenging, saying nuclear power would be essential to achieving it and reaching global carbon neutrality by mid-century.
At a panel on nuclear energy, Bayraktar said Türkiye’s growing economy, rising population and continuing urbanization were increasing energy demand and making affordable, reliable supplies more challenging to secure.
He said electrification is a central objective of Türkiye’s National Energy 2040 vision, with energy efficiency at the heart of its strategy. Bayraktar called for the full use of the country’s solar, wind, geothermal and biomass potential alongside nuclear power to support reliable, low-carbon electricity generation.
Türkiye sets nuclear capacity targets
Türkiye aims to reach 10 gigawatts of installed nuclear power capacity by 2040 and at least 20 gigawatts by 2050. Bayraktar said the country needs at least 15 gigawatts from conventional, large-scale nuclear reactors and is considering at least 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors.
The combined capacity could meet around 10%-12% of Türkiye’s electricity needs by 2050, helping reduce carbon emissions and balance its generation mix, he said. Bayraktar identified a skilled workforce, substantial investment and sustained political leadership as key requirements for delivering the projects.
Akkuyu and further nuclear projects
Türkiye began developing its nuclear power programme through intergovernmental agreements with Russia and started working with “Rosatom” in 2010, Bayraktar said. He credited Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Russian President Vladimir Putin with advancing Akkuyu and bringing Türkiye’s roughly 70-year nuclear ambition to fruition.
More than 300 graduates of Russian universities and colleges are working at Akkuyu, Bayraktar said, describing workforce development and localization as important elements of bilateral nuclear cooperation.
Türkiye is also holding talks with different technology providers for its second and third nuclear power plants, with further projects planned in Sinop and Thrace, he added.
“Rosatom” Director General Alexey Likhachev described Akkuyu as one of the most notable projects in the recent history of nuclear energy. He said nuclear power would help shape the global energy system over the next 20-30 years by supporting continuous, stable electricity generation and broader technological change.
Likhachev identified fourth-generation nuclear technologies, inherent safety, closed nuclear fuel cycles, energy storage and artificial intelligence-enabled smart energy systems as key areas for future discussion.
