Turkey in Talks with US for Nuclear Energy Cooperation

Türkiye is currently in discussions with the United States regarding the development of both large-scale nuclear power plants and small modular reactors (SMR), as stated by a high-ranking official from the Turkish Energy Ministry on Tuesday.

Yusuf Ceylan informed Reuters at a conference on nuclear power plants that "The USA is expressing significant interest in Türkiye's objective to expand its nuclear energy capacity and construct new power plants."

When asked about the specific projects being considered, he mentioned, "We are open to exploring opportunities for either expanding existing power plants or constructing new ones."

Ceylan emphasized, "We are in talks with the USA for both large-scale power plants and small modular reactors. This reflects our commitment to pursuing these options." 

Recently, the US Ambassador to Türkiye, Jeff Flake, revealed to Reuters that Ankara had engaged in discussions with the US and other parties regarding the potential construction of small modular reactors.

Ceylan also disclosed that negotiations are ongoing with South Korea and Russia for a second nuclear power plant planned for the Black Sea region of Sinop, and with China's SPIC for a third nuclear power plant in the Thrace region of northwest Türkiye.

The construction of Türkiye's first 4,800 MW nuclear power plant by Russia's Rosatom is currently underway at Akkuyu in Türkiye’s Mediterranean region.

Ankara's plans include the construction of three four-reactor nuclear plants and the addition of SMRs, with a total generation capacity of 20,000 MW, in order to diversify its electricity production mix.

Previously, the United States had engaged in discussions with Türkiye regarding the development of SMRs, which are still in the developmental phase. However, there have been no reports indicating negotiations between the two parties regarding large-scale power plants that would require significant investment.

In May, Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar expressed that Türkiye and the US are prepared to collaborate in the energy and mining sectors.

During the 39th American-Turkish Conference in Washington, Minister Bayraktar stated, "We are prepared to strengthen our bilateral cooperation with the US in the areas of energy, minerals, and liquefied gas."