Türkiye's 2050 target for nuclear energy investments was covered in the 35th issue of Ayın Tarihi, a magazine published by the Presidency's Directorate of Communications. Communications Director Prof. Dr. Burhanettin Duran said Türkiye aims to raise its nuclear power capacity to at least 20 gigawatts as part of its energy independence strategy.
In an article titled “The Nuclear Era on the Energy Route: Türkiye's Nuclear Energy Breakthrough,” published in the magazine's September issue, Duran said the first unit at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is nearing commissioning. He also said steps are being taken to build new plants in Sinop and Thrace.
Duran said nuclear power plays a major role in Türkiye's long-term energy planning. He noted that the goal is to reach at least 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050.
Small Modular Reactors Part of the Plan
Duran said 5 gigawatts of the planned capacity will come from small modular reactors. He added that work is underway to strengthen Türkiye's technological capacity through modern reactor technologies and research facilities.
The first unit at Akkuyu, Türkiye's first nuclear power plant, is still moving through the commissioning process. Duran said steps are also being taken for new nuclear plants in Sinop and Thrace.
Duran stressed that nuclear investments are not limited to electricity generation. He said the projects will contribute to the growth of domestic industry and to training qualified personnel in nuclear engineering.
According to Duran, nuclear investments are being carried out to diversify energy supply sources, reduce foreign dependence, and increase continuous, low-carbon electricity generation. He also referred to Türkiye's net-zero emissions vision for 2053, saying the goal is to add nuclear energy to the country's power generation portfolio.
Duran noted that energy supply security is becoming increasingly important worldwide. He said Türkiye is undergoing an energy transformation to meet its growing energy demand and ensure environmental sustainability.
Duran also stressed that nuclear investments are important for economic growth and sustainability goals.
The 35th issue of Ayın Tarihi, published by the Directorate of Communications, featured a special dossier titled “Türkiye's Nuclear Energy Investments on the Path to Energy Independence.” The dossier covered the current state of nuclear energy worldwide, Türkiye's nuclear journey, research reactors, early plant initiatives, and the construction process of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.
The dossier also examined the new plant projects in Sinop and Thrace and work on small modular reactors, focusing on Türkiye's long-term nuclear energy goals.
