Turkey has taken a significant step toward reducing its dependence on foreign energy sources and achieving its 2053 net-zero carbon targets. The Ministry of Industry and Technology has launched a call for the development of a domestic nuclear reactor. With this call, Turkey will produce the reactors and components it will use in nuclear power plants using its own resources.

Call for a Domestic Nuclear Reactor Launched

Domestic production will increase Turkey’s energy independence while also containing billions of dollars in energy import costs. Furthermore, this technology has export potential. The reactors developed under the call must comply with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) standards.

Projects include the design, prototype production, testing, and certification of Generation III+ or Generation IV reactors, such as small modular reactors and microreactors.

Applications are being accepted until December 31, 2025. There is no upper limit on project support, and 50% of eligible expenditures will be covered by a grant. The project duration is set at a maximum of 48 months, but this period can be extended for an additional 48 months if the project involves multiple phases.

Applicants to the call must form a project partnership consisting of at least two companies. Foreign companies cannot apply directly, and the foreign partners’ share in the project cannot exceed 49%.

The project aims to ultimately achieve a commercially usable reactor design. At least 50% of critical components, such as the reactor pressure vessel, safety systems, and fuel elements, are expected to be developed domestically.