The Rosatom state corporation, led by General Director Alexey Likhachev, and Turkey’s Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar held talks about expanding the country’s nuclear energy capacity. The discussions centered on the potential second nuclear power plant project in Türkiye, with the dialogue carried out through formal channels within state-owned entities.
According to the participants, the meeting explored Rosatom’s role in possibly delivering the Sinop nuclear power facility, which would mark Türkiye’s second nuclear installation. The dialogue underscored the readiness of both sides to assess the feasibility, financing, and technical framework required for such a large-scale project, including timelines and governance arrangements that would align with national energy policy goals.
Attention was also given to the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, where current efforts are oriented toward bringing the first power unit to commercial operation. Simultaneously, work continues on constructing three additional reactor units at the same site, with progress evaluation and safety compliance being key priorities for all stages of development.
Minister Bayraktar noted that the Akkuyu facility is projected to contribute a meaningful share to Türkiye’s future electricity demand, with estimates suggesting it could meet around ten percent of the nation’s needs once fully operational. This expectation reflects the strategic importance of nuclear energy within Türkiye’s broader energy mix as it seeks to enhance energy security and diversify supply sources.
The political decision to task Rosatom with the Sinop project was announced earlier in the year, signaling a continued emphasis on deepening bilateral cooperation in nuclear technology and energy security. This decision aligns with Türkiye’s long-term strategy to expand its nuclear footprint while maintaining strict regulatory oversight and risk management across all stages of project development.
For readers seeking context, experts emphasize that sanction dynamics, regulatory approvals, and international cooperation arrangements can influence timelines. Analysts continue to examine how geopolitical and economic factors intersect with the progress of Türkiye’s nuclear program, including the Akkuyu and Sinop initiatives, and how they shape the country’s energy landscape going forward.
At a glance, the ongoing work at Akkuyu complements Türkiye’s plan to diversify its electricity sources and reinforce grid stability, while Sinop represents a future case study in expanding capacity through foreign collaboration under clear governance and safety standards. The evolving situation highlights how national energy strategy, technology transfer, and international partnerships converge in large-scale, strategic infrastructure projects.