12th Nuclear Power Plants Summit Opens in Istanbul
The 12th Nuclear Power Plants Summit (NPPES), one of the most comprehensive nuclear energy organizations for Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans, opened its doors in Istanbul. Speaking at the opening of the summit, Salih Sarı, Director General of Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, stated that the goal is to generate the first electricity at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant this year, and noted that work on the Sinop, Thrace and small modular reactor (SMR) projects is continuing.
Turkey's 12th Nuclear Power Plants Summit opened its doors in Istanbul, establishing itself as one of the most comprehensive nuclear energy organizations in Turkey, the Middle East, North Africa and the Balkans. Speaking at the summit's opening, Salih Sarı, Director General of Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, clarified that first electricity generation at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is targeted for this year, while noting that work continues on nuclear power plant projects in Sinop and Thrace, as well as small modular reactor (SMR) initiatives.
The 12th Nuclear Power Plants Summit, held at Istanbul Technical University's Süleyman Demirel Cultural Center, is being organized by Ankara Chamber of Industry (ASO) and Nuclear Industry Association (NSD) with the support of the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources.
The event, themed "New Nuclear Era: Strengthening Industry, Innovation and Net Zero Targets," brings together public institutions, technology providers, industrial organizations and international sector representatives over two days.
Turkey Targets at Least 20 GW of Nuclear Capacity by 2053
Salih Sarı, Director General of Nuclear Energy at the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, made significant announcements regarding Turkey's long-term nuclear energy targets at the summit's opening.
Sarı stated that Turkey aims to reach 7.2 GW of installed nuclear capacity by 2035 and at least 20 GW by 2053, while noting that first electricity generation at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is planned to occur within this year.
Noting that work continues on new nuclear power plant projects planned for Sinop and Thrace following Akkuyu, as well as small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, Sarı said that reaching at least 5 GW of SMR capacity by 2053 is among the targets.
Domestic Industry Contribution Growing at Akkuyu
According to information provided by Sarı, over 300 domestic companies are currently involved in the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Project, with approximately USD 12 billion in business volume generated through construction, equipment manufacturing, engineering, testing and certification services.
The domestic production and engineering experience acquired is aimed at being elevated to higher levels in new nuclear power plant projects.
Nuclear Technology Technopark to Be Established at ITU
Istanbul Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal announced that Turkey's first nuclear technology-themed technopark will be established within ITU.
Mandal stated that this facility is being planned as a research and innovation center encompassing not only the university but the entire nuclear technology ecosystem, and that human resources development and technology production are among priority targets.
Domestic Supply Chain and Industrial Cooperation Highlighted
Ankara Chamber of Industry Chairman Seyit Ardıç, speaking at the summit, emphasized that nuclear energy holds strategic importance not only for energy generation but also for high-technology production and industrial transformation.
Ardıç noted that the domestic production experience gained at Akkuyu must be transferred to the Sinop, Thrace and future SMR projects, and stressed the importance of Turkish industry securing a stronger position in the global nuclear supply chain.
Nuclear Industry Association Chairman Alikaan Çiftçi said Turkey's objective is not merely to generate nuclear energy, but to create a nuclear ecosystem that develops technology, manufactures equipment and realizes exports.
International Companies Extend Cooperation Messages to Turkey
International sector representatives speaking at the summit conveyed cooperation messages regarding Turkey's nuclear energy program.
Akkuyu Nuclear A.Ş. Board Chairman Anton Dedusenko announced that commissioning activities at the plant's first unit are proceeding intensively, and that construction and pre-commissioning processes at other units are progressing as planned.
Representatives from Canada-based AtkinsRéalis, China State Nuclear Energy Technology Corporation (SNPTC) and Romania's National Nuclear Power Company (SNN) expressed their readiness to provide support in developing the domestic supply chain in Turkey, technology transfer, engineering education and long-term industrial cooperation.
Domestic Production and Technology Agenda in Nuclear Energy
Sessions to be held within the scope of the Nuclear Power Plants Summit will address topics including next-generation reactor technologies, small modular reactors (SMRs), nuclear supply chain, localization, human resources, digitalization and sustainable energy policies.
The summit is aimed at contributing to the development of industrial, technological and international cooperation in line with Turkey's nuclear energy targets.
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