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TÜNAŞ and KEPCO sign deal to accelerate nuclear development in Türkiye

Türkiye and South Korea have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly explore nuclear power plant projects, marking a strategic step in the long-term development of Türkiye's energy infrastructure.

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The state-owned Turkish Nuclear Energy Corporation (TÜNAŞ) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) have signed a memorandum of understanding to strengthen bilateral cooperation in nuclear energy. The announcement was made in Ankara during an official ceremony attended by Presidents Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Lee Jae-myung.

The agreement outlines extensive collaboration covering nuclear power plant design, technology exchange, site evaluation, project financing and human resources training. Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar stated that the deal represents a key milestone in ongoing discussions concerning Türkiye’s second planned nuclear facility.

20 GW target by the 2050s

Türkiye aims to achieve 20 gigawatts (GW) in nuclear capacity by the 2050s. The country is currently developing its first nuclear project in Mersin, led by Russian company Rosatom. Two additional projects are under consideration in the Sinop province and the Thrace region. Turkish authorities have also expressed interest in small modular reactors (SMRs) to diversify their energy portfolio.

In parallel, talks are underway with Canada-based AtkinsRéalis regarding the use of CANDU technology in Türkiye’s planned nuclear facilities in Sinop and Thrace. This engagement with international partners is intended to reinforce national energy security and support the implementation of targeted capacity.

Expanded bilateral partnership beyond nuclear

Beyond energy, the two heads of state discussed broader areas of strategic cooperation, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, batteries and the defence industry. Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also welcomed Hyundai’s recent electric vehicle investment in Izmit and reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for South Korean companies operating locally.

During the joint press conference, both presidents confirmed their intention to deepen cooperation within multilateral platforms such as the G20, the United Nations and the consultative group MIKTA, which includes Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea, Türkiye and Australia.

Türkiye is continuing talks with several partners to establish a new clean power generation plant, while expanding technological and industrial partnerships with South Korea.

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