Financial establishments in America express readiness to back nuclear power initiatives within Türkiye
In a significant development for global nuclear energy, the United States is set to bolster its partnership with Turkey, particularly focusing on small modular reactors (SMRs). This growing cooperation, highlighted by senior US officials, could provide critical capital and technological expertise to accelerate Turkey’s nuclear projects.
Justin Friedman, a senior nuclear energy advisor at the US State Department, recently expressed optimism about the potential for a nuclear energy agreement between the US and Turkey in the near future. He made his remarks during the 11th Nuclear Power Plants Summit (NPPES 2025) in Istanbul.
US financial institutions and agencies have expressed readiness to provide funding for Turkey’s nuclear energy projects, with a particular emphasis on SMRs. They are currently waiting for viable project proposals from Turkey to move forward with financing. American financial institutions, including EXIM Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), have committed to being part of the global nuclear movement and have provided letters of intent totaling over $17 billion for nuclear projects in Romania and Poland.
Turkey itself is actively advancing its nuclear energy ambitions. Its first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, powered by Russian technology, has recently received official nuclear facility status with the arrival of its first nuclear fuel. The plant, expected to begin electricity generation next year, aims to provide about 10% of Turkey’s electricity once fully operational. Beyond Akkuyu, Turkey plans to develop additional nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace, targeting international partnerships and localization of technology.
The US sees nuclear collaboration as an opportunity to deepen ties and expand mutual interests in clean, sustainable energy. With Turkey targeting a 20-gigawatt nuclear installed capacity, including SMRs, this partnership aligns with global trends toward sustainable, low-carbon energy sources. SMRs offer flexibility, scalability, and potentially lower costs compared to traditional large reactors, benefiting Turkey’s energy diversification.
Strengthened nuclear cooperation could deepen the overall US-Turkey strategic relationship, fostering economic ties and technology transfer. Turkey’s potential to become a leader in nuclear energy, as highlighted by Friedman, might position it as a key player in the regional nuclear energy market, enhancing energy security and technological independence.
In summary, the US-Turkey nuclear partnership, particularly regarding SMRs, is poised for expansion with strong US financial backing and Turkey’s ambitious nuclear agenda. This collaboration has the potential to significantly impact Turkey's energy landscape by bolstering clean energy capacity, enhancing bilateral strategic relations, and advancing Turkey’s role in the global nuclear sector.
- The United States government, through its financial institutions and agencies, has expressed a willingness to fund Turkey's nuclear energy projects, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs), with a total commitment of over $17 billion for nuclear projects in other countries.
- Turkey, under President Erdogan, is actively pursuing its nuclear energy ambitions, with the first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, using Russian technology and recently receiving official nuclear facility status. The plant, scheduled to begin electricity generation next year, is expected to provide about 10% of Turkey's electricity once fully operational.
- Beyond Akkuyu, the Turkish government plans to develop additional nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace, with a focus on international partnerships and localization of technology.
- Justin Friedman, a senior nuclear energy advisor at the US State Department, has expressed optimism about a potential nuclear energy agreement between the US and Turkey, stating that this partnership could deepen ties and expand mutual interests in clean, sustainable energy.
- Strengthened nuclear cooperation between the US and Turkey could have a significant impact on Turkey's energy landscape, bolstering clean energy capacity, enhancing bilateral strategic relations, and positioning Turkey as a key player in the regional nuclear energy market, thereby improving energy security and technological independence.
