Russia is considering expanding its cooperation with Turkey in the area of small modular reactors, a topic that emerged during discussions at the joint intergovernmental commission focused on trade and economic collaboration between the two countries. The dialogue, led by senior officials from both sides, underscored a shared interest in exploring how compact nuclear energy units could support Turkey’s growing energy demands while reinforcing regional stability and supply reliability. The overarching message from the Turkish side highlighted a desire to diversify energy sources, reduce dependency on volatile imports, and leverage Russia’s established experience in the nuclear sector to advance strategic energy goals. In this context, the exchange touched on technical, economic, and regulatory aspects of potential projects, as well as the broader implications for electricity markets and grids in both nations.
During the discussions, it was emphasized that energy remains a core pillar of bilateral cooperation. Russia outlined its capacity to deliver a steady stream of energy resources to Turkey, along with experiences in project planning, financing, and construction related to nuclear facilities. This backdrop of steady supply and technical capability was presented as a foundation for potential collaboration that could align with Turkey’s climate and energy targets, while also supporting industrial development and regional trade routes. The dialogue acknowledged the importance of transparency, safety standards, and compliance with international norms as essential components of any future arrangement.
On October 23, another bilateral exchange highlighted a separate opportunity for cooperation beyond Russia’s borders. Moscow extended an invitation to Mongolia to consider the deployment of small-scale nuclear power plants within Mongolian territory. Russian officials described the offer as part of a broader strategy to share nuclear energy expertise, particularly in the design and deployment of low-power reactors. The discussions pointed to Mongolia’s recognition of nuclear energy as a potential low-emission option, a factor that aligns with global climate agendas and Mongolia’s own energy diversification ambitions. The officials in question stressed that Russia’s unique competencies in nuclear technologies could support Mongolia’s transitional energy landscape while adhering to stringent safety and environmental protocols.
Earlier developments reported that Kazakhstan signaled the intention to identify a partner for its first nuclear power project within the year. The Kazakh authorities indicated a desire to move decisively in assessing international collaborators, technology approaches, and readiness to integrate a new nuclear facility into the national energy framework. The aim was to secure a partner with proven capabilities to help design, finance, and construct a plant that would meet Kazakhstan’s growing electricity needs, support economic diversification, and contribute to the country’s long-term energy security.
In recent assessments, observers noted that Russia has a notable share in the global market for exporting nuclear power plant technology and related services. The extent of Russia’s involvement underscores its role as a significant supplier of engineering know-how, reactor components, and project management competencies. The evolving regional conversations with Turkey and the northern neighbor states reflect a broader strategic trend: countries in the region are reassessing their energy portfolios to balance reliability, emissions, and economic growth. As discussions progress, stakeholders will continue to evaluate risk, regulatory alignment, and the potential for scalable, safe, and sustainable nuclear energy solutions that can support national development while meeting international safety standards and climate commitments.