Turkey announces imminent operation of first Akkuyu nuclear reactor

Turkish Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Alparslan Bayraktar, announced on November 5, 2026, that the first reactor at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant will become operational within the coming weeks. The plant, located on Turkey's southern coast, is the centerpiece of the new "Milli Enerji 2040" energy strategy. Construction is currently underway on all four planned reactors at the site.

Under this new roadmap, Turkey aims to cover 11% of its national energy demand through nuclear power by 2040, which the government expects will reduce natural gas import costs by $6 billion annually. Currently, the country relies on external sources for 68% of its energy, resulting in $90 billion in annual import expenditures. Officials have stated a goal to reduce this dependency to below 50% during the 2030s and achieve full energy independence by 2049.

Looking toward the future, the government plans to reach a total nuclear capacity of 20,000 megawatts by 2050. Additional nuclear power plants for Sinop and Eastern Thrace are currently in the decision-making phase. This strategic announcement coincides with preparations for the upcoming UN Climate Conference (COP31) in Antalya.