SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

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.

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25£/month*

*billed annually at 99£/year for the first year then 149,00£/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99£/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2£/month*
then 14.90£ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

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.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
BOTAŞ strengthens LNG capacity with expansion of Marmara Ereğlisi terminal
CNOOC launches production at Weizhou 11-4 oilfield in South China Sea
Shell and Equinor finalise the creation of Adura, largest independent North Sea producer
Norway launches a commission to plan the post-oil era
Symbio to cut 350 jobs after Stellantis strategic withdrawal
Lianjiang nuclear simulator enters delivery phase after full validation
The full-scope simulator for the Lianjiang nuclear project has successfully passed factory acceptance testing, paving the way for its installation at the construction site in China's Guangdong province.
Denmark forms industrial alliance to prepare for a civil nuclear comeback
A coalition of Danish industry groups, unions and investors launches a platform in support of modular nuclear power, aiming to develop firm low-carbon capacity to sustain industrial competitiveness.
The United Kingdom launches TAE Beam UK backed by Google in fusion
The United Kingdom and TAE Technologies create a joint venture in Culham to produce neutral beams, a key component of fusion, with strategic backing from Google.
Natura Resources accelerates molten salt reactor development with DOE support
Texas-based developer Natura Resources receives new federal funding to test key components of its 100-megawatt modular reactor in partnership with Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Japan set to vote on partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant
The Niigata regional assembly is deliberating on restarting unit 6 of the world’s largest nuclear plant, thirteen years after operations ceased following the Fukushima disaster.
Belgium: Doel 2 permanently shut down after fifty years of operation
Reactor Doel 2 was taken offline, becoming the fifth Belgian reactor to cease operations under the country’s gradual nuclear phase-out policy.
Rolls-Royce SMR strengthens nuclear cooperation with ÚJV Řež in Czechia
Rolls-Royce SMR has expanded its partnership with ÚJV Řež to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, targeting the construction of several units in the Czech Republic and abroad.
India prepares to open its nuclear sector to private players
The Indian government aims to amend legislation to allow private companies to participate in civil nuclear development, a move positioned as critical to achieving the country’s long-term energy targets.
China completes modular construction of Xudabao 4 passive tank
The VVER-1200 nuclear reactor at Xudabao 4 in China has completed installation of its final passive water tank, marking the end of modular construction for the second phase of the project.
Canada and Alberta agree on joint nuclear strategy by 2027
Ottawa and Edmonton commit to a nuclear production roadmap by 2050, through a memorandum of understanding also covering carbon capture and an Indigenous-led pipeline project.
Niger challenges Orano by launching its uranium production on the international market
Niamey asserts control over its uranium resources by authorising open market sales of Somaïr’s production, formerly operated by France’s Orano, amid ongoing legal disputes.
Equinix secures 500 MWe nuclear supply from Stellaria for AI data centres
Equinix has signed a strategic agreement with French start-up Stellaria to reserve 500 MWe of advanced nuclear capacity to power its future European AI data centres starting in 2035.
Kyrgyzstan bets on a Russian small modular reactor to solve its energy crisis
Bishkek plans to host a RITM-200N small modular reactor supplied by Rosatom to address electricity shortages and deepen energy ties with Moscow, despite the risks posed by Western sanctions.
TEPCO could restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant as early as January
The Niigata prefectural assembly will vote on the restart of Unit 6, potentially marking TEPCO’s first reactor relaunch since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
Norway launches cross-border consultation on nuclear power plant project
The Norwegian government has initiated a consultation with neighbouring countries on its modular nuclear power plant project in Aure and Heim, in accordance with the Espoo Convention.
Asian Development Bank opens nuclear energy financing to developing countries
Asian Development Bank has amended its energy policy to enable funding for civil nuclear projects in developing member countries across the Asia-Pacific region.
First Hydrogen launches project on molten-salt fuels for small modular reactors
First Hydrogen begins research with the University of Alberta to identify molten-salt mixtures simulating nuclear fuels for SMR prototypes.
Framatome delivers first nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah
Framatome has completed the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah power plant, marking a key milestone in the supply agreement signed with Emirates Nuclear Energy Company in July.
UK launches radical overhaul of nuclear regulation system
A government-commissioned report proposes 47 measures to simplify nuclear regulation, reduce decommissioning costs and accelerate delivery of civilian and military projects.
Zhangzhou’s second reactor delivers first kilowatt-hours to the grid
The Hualong One reactor at Zhangzhou nuclear power plant has been connected to the grid, marking a major milestone in the expansion of China’s civilian nuclear programme.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25£/month*

*billed annually at 99£/year for the first year then 149,00£/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99£/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2£/month*
then 14.90£ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.