Turkish Companies Earn $12 Billion from Akkuyu Construction
Turkish Companies Earn $12 Billion from Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Construction
Turkey’s domestic industry is playing an increasingly important role in the construction of the country’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu NPP. According to Turkey’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, more than 300 local companies are now involved in the project, with the total value of completed work reaching approximately $12 billion.
This was announced by Salih Sarı, Acting Director General for Nuclear Energy and International Projects at the ministry, during the 12th Nuclear Power Plants Summit held in Istanbul.
Today, more than 300 Turkish companies are involved in construction, material and equipment supply, testing, certification, and engineering services for Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.
Akkuyu Prepares to Launch Its First Reactor
Construction of the first power unit is now nearly complete, with commissioning and testing works currently underway.
Turkey aims to begin electricity generation at Akkuyu’s first reactor later this year.
Construction of the remaining three reactors is continuing according to schedule, with around 25,000 specialists working on-site every day.
Nuclear Energy Becomes a Strategic Priority
Turkey sees nuclear energy as a key pillar of its long-term energy strategy. Authorities say the sector will help strengthen energy security while supporting industrial growth and sustainability goals.
Main strategic objectives include:
- Ensuring stable energy supply
- Reducing dependence on imported energy resources
- Lowering carbon emissions
- Developing high-tech industry
- Training qualified specialists
- Strengthening national energy independence
According to Turkey’s national strategy, nuclear generation capacity is expected to reach:
- 7.2 GW by 2035
- 20 GW by 2053
New Nuclear Projects After Akkuyu
Following Akkuyu, Turkey is preparing for two additional major nuclear power plant projects.
The site in Sinop is ready for investment, while engineering and geological studies continue in Thrace in line with international standards.
Negotiations with international technology partners are ongoing regarding financing, localization, technology transfer, and nuclear fuel supply.
Turkish Companies Expand Globally
The experience gained through Akkuyu is already helping Turkish companies enter international nuclear projects.
Turkish firms are currently involved in projects including:
- El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt
- Hinkley Point C in the United Kingdom
- Other international nuclear infrastructure projects
First Nuclear Technopark to Open in Turkey
Turkey is also investing heavily in nuclear research and innovation. Istanbul Technical University plans to establish the country’s first nuclear technopark.
Authorities are additionally considering the creation of a National Nuclear Technology Research Center to unite government institutions, universities, and industry.
Experts say the $12 billion figure highlights not only the scale of Akkuyu, but also the rapid emergence of a competitive high-tech nuclear industry in Turkey.
