Turkey’s Tunas signs MOU with Canada-based AtkinsRéalis to cooperate on nuclear power plant development in Turkey: Energy Minister

Turkey’s Tunas signs MOU with Canada-based AtkinsRéalis to cooperate on nuclear power plant development in Turkey: Energy Minister

Turkey’s TUNAS Signs MOU with Canada-Based AtkinsRéalis for Nuclear Power Plant Collaboration

Turkey’s state-owned nuclear energy company, Türkiye Nükleer Enerji AŞ (TUNAS), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Canada-based engineering firm AtkinsRéalis to explore cooperation on nuclear power plant projects in Turkey, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar announced on November 6, 2025. The agreement focuses on potential nuclear plant development in the Black Sea province of Sinop and the northwestern Thrace region, aligning with Turkey’s broader strategy to diversify its energy supply and reduce reliance on imports.

The MoU follows ongoing discussions between Turkey and multiple international partners, including Russia, South Korea, and China, for its second and third nuclear power plants. Minister Bayraktar emphasized that technical studies will begin to assess the feasibility of applying Canada’s CANDU reactor technology, known for its heavy water reactor systems, in Turkey’s planned projects. This collaboration adds to Turkey’s existing partnerships, such as the South Korea-Turkey nuclear cooperation agreement signed in November 2024, which aims to share technical expertise and joint project development.

Turkey’s nuclear ambitions are part of a long-term energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality and enhance energy security. The country’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu in Mersin—being constructed by Russia’s Rosatom—is expected to begin operations in 2026 and supply 10% of the nation’s electricity needs. Bayraktar has outlined plans to commission 12 nuclear reactors by 2050, with aspirations to expand further, including the development of small modular reactors (SMRs) to add 5 gigawatts of capacity by that year.

The AtkinsRéalis partnership underscores Turkey’s efforts to engage global expertise while advancing its domestic nuclear industry. TUNAS, established in 2022 to oversee nuclear plant operations, highlighted the MoU as a step toward strengthening strategic ties and ensuring technological self-reliance. With multiple international firms now involved in its nuclear roadmap, Turkey aims to position itself as a regional energy leader while addressing geopolitical and economic challenges in energy supply.

According to Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar's statements and TUNAS cooperation agreements.
Reuters reported on Turkey’s nuclear plant negotiations with Candu Energy and other partners.
Xinhua reported on Turkey-AtkinsRéalis discussions and CANDU technology considerations.