Turkey has unveiled plans to build eight nuclear reactors as part of a major effort to expand its energy capacity and reduce dependence on imported fuels, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on Wednesday.
The proposal includes four reactors in the northern province of Sinop and another four in the East Thrace region in the northwest. The move is expected to play a central role in meeting rising electricity demand and strengthening the country’s energy infrastructure.
Talks are underway with international partners
Bayraktar said Turkey is in discussions with several countries, including South Korea, Canada, China, and Russia, about potential cooperation on projects. He shared the update in an interview.
🇹🇷 🇰🇷 🇨🇦 🇨🇳 🇷🇺Turkey is holding talks with South Korea, Canada, China, and Russia to develop four new nuclear power plants.
A total of eight large reactors are planned, with four in Sinop and four in Thrace, as part of a major expansion of the country’s energy capacity. pic.twitter.com/vTm0jyuBv7
— Defense Intelligence (@DI313_) March 18, 2026
No agreements have been signed so far. The minister said Ankara will select partners based on competitive financial terms and overall project value.
Localization is the key to the final decision
Officials have placed strong emphasis on localisation in the selection process. Bayraktar said proposals will be evaluated based on the extent to which they support domestic industry and workforce participation.
Localization aims to increase the role of Turkish companies in the design and operation of nuclear facilities. Authorities expect this approach to strengthen technical capacity and deliver long-term economic benefits.
Existing nuclear projects and progress
Turkey is already advancing its nuclear program with the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant on the Mediterranean coast. The project, developed in partnership with Russia, is expected to be the country’s first operational nuclear facility.
Russia is providing $9B to fund Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu. Built by Rosatom, the plant is slated to start operations in 2026, marking a major step in Turkey’s energy expansion.
Source: Turkey’s Energy Ministry pic.twitter.com/clyIJI5995
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) December 26, 2025
Akkuyu will consist of four reactors once completed. The first unit is expected to begin operations in the coming years, with subsequent units following in phases. Officials say the plant will supply a significant share of Turkey’s electricity needs once fully operational.
The government has also explored nuclear projects in Sinop and other regions, though earlier plans were delayed by financing and partnership challenges.
Part of broader energy strategy
The planned reactors are part of Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and improve energy security. Nuclear power is considered a reliable, low-emission source that can support long-term supply needs.
Further details, including timelines and project structures, have not yet been announced. Talks with potential partners are ongoing.
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