Advanced Reactor Feasibility Study
Türkiye and United States Sign Grant Agreement to Assess Advanced Nuclear Technologies
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Key Points
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Türkiye has set a target of at least 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050, including 5 gigawatts from small modular reactors.
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The assessment will include a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks analysis of the reactor technologies, alongside reviews of emergency preparedness.
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The agreement was signed by TÜNAŞ Director-General Necati Yamaç and USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy at the Turkish House in New York, in the presence of Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar.
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The initiative builds on a Strategic Civil Nuclear Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding signed by Türkiye and the United States in September 2025.
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The agreement is part of a wider international effort to accelerate SMR deployment, including a memorandum signed by the United States, Japan and South Korea during a NATO summit in Ankara.
Türkiye and the United States signed a grant agreement to study how advanced nuclear reactors could power the country's energy future. Energy News Pro reported that the U.S. Trade and Development Agency will provide about $2 million to assess four U.S. small modular reactor designs and five Generation IV reactor technologies over at least one year.
The deal, signed by Turkish Nuclear Energy Company Director-General Necati Yamaç and USTDA Deputy Director Thomas Hardy, aligns with Türkiye's ambition to reach 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2050. Turkish officials say the assessment will help the country hit its net-zero emissions target by 2053 while reducing dependence on foreign energy.
What the Assessment Will Actually Examine
The year-long study will dive deep into nine reactor designs total — testing how they perform, whether they're safe, and if Turkish regulators will approve them. Bazaar Times noted the analysis will also tackle supply chains, building costs, site selection, and how to pay for these projects.
The evaluation includes a strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and risks analysis of each technology. Emergency preparedness plans will also get scrutiny. This comprehensive review aims to tell Türkiye exactly what works best for its geography, budget and nuclear experience level.
Türkiye's Bold Nuclear Expansion Plan
Türkiye is serious about nuclear power. The country wants at least 20 gigawatts of nuclear capacity running by 2050, with 5 gigawatts coming specifically from small modular reactors — compact reactors that are cheaper and faster to build than traditional plants.
This push fits into larger climate goals. Türkiye has committed to reaching net-zero emissions by 2053, and nuclear energy is central to that strategy. The country also sees homegrown nuclear capacity as a path to energy independence, reducing its reliance on imported fossil fuels.
Part of a Wider U.S.-Led Global Push
The Türkiye deal builds on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement the two countries signed in September 2025. It's also connected to a bigger international movement to speed up small modular reactor deployment worldwide, Osaka News reported.
The United States, Japan, and South Korea recently established an implementation plan to support SMR deployment globally, announced during a NATO summit in Ankara. This multi-country effort shows how critical countries view small modular reactors as a climate and energy security solution.
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