# Turkey nuclear energy expansion plans

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-nuclear-energy-expansion-plans
> Updated: 2026-09-26T21:00:00.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Turkey has outlined an ambitious national energy strategy to reach at least 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2053. This goal includes the deployment of 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors (SMRs). Current progress includes the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, where the first unit is nearing commissioning, with full plant operation expected by 2028.

To support these objectives, Turkey is pursuing international collaborations. The US Trade and Development Agency has partnered with the state-owned enterprise TÜNAŞ to provide technical assistance for developing regulatory and financial roadmaps for SMR deployment. Additionally, a memorandum of understanding with Denmark’s Copenhagen Atomics aims to investigate the production of thorium fuel salts in Turkey, utilizing significant ore resources at the Beylikova site in Eskişehir.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Turkey advances nuclear energy plans via US and Danish partnerships

Turkey is expanding its nuclear sector through a US-funded roadmap for small modular reactors and a partnership with Copenhagen Atomics to explore thorium fuel supplies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-advances-nuclear-energy-plans-via-us-and-danish-partnerships

### 2026-09-16: Turkey targets 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050

Turkey targets at least 20 gigawatts of nuclear energy capacity by 2050, including 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors, to meet rising electricity demand and reach net-zero emissions by 2053.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkey-targets-20-gigawatts-of-nuclear-capacity-by-2050

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Cite as: Turkey nuclear energy expansion plans. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-nuclear-energy-expansion-plans