Turkey targets 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050

Turkey aims to increase its nuclear energy capacity to at least 20 gigawatts by 2050, according to Salih Sarı, General Director of Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources. Speaking at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna, Sarı stated that the target includes 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors.

The national energy strategy focuses on sustainable development, energy security, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2053. This expansion is driven by the expectation of significant increases in electricity demand over the coming decades. To meet this, Turkey plans to diversify its power generation through both nuclear and renewable sources.

Regarding the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, construction of the first unit is complete, and commissioning operations are in their final stages. The plant has a total capacity of 4.8 gigawatts, with full operation of all units expected by 2028. Additionally, the licensing process for the TR-2 Research Reactor is scheduled for completion by August 2026.