Nuclear Energy Move from Türkiye and Canada: Strategic Cooperation for CANDU Technology

A critical step has been taken as part of Türkiye's strategy to enhance energy supply security and achieve its 2053 net-zero emission targets. Türkiye Nuclear Energy Inc. (TÜNAŞ) and the Canada-based global engineering and project management firm AtkinsRealis have signed a strategic cooperation agreement covering feasibility and front-end engineering design (FEED) studies for a new nuclear power plant planned to be built in Türkiye. This partnership is seen as a concrete reflection of Türkiye's vision to diversify its energy mix and increase the share of nuclear energy in base-load electricity production.

Under the agreement, the adaptability of AtkinsRealis' proprietary CANDU reactor technology to Türkiye's energy needs and geographical conditions will be analyzed in detail. This collaboration encompasses not only a technical design process but also a multi-layered feasibility study including the project's economic sustainability, safety standards, and localization potential. Türkiye is consolidating its goal of becoming a regional energy hub by expanding its nuclear journey, which began with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, through various technologies and collaborations.

Background of the Development

Türkiye's transition to nuclear energy is the product of long-term planning and strategic decisions. The cooperation established with Russia for the Akkuyu project served as Türkiye's gateway to nuclear energy technology. However, Türkiye has identified not being dependent on a single technology or supplier as a strategic priority to ensure energy security. In this context, Canada's deep-rooted history in nuclear energy and the operational flexibility of CANDU reactors, in particular, have become one of the key options on Türkiye's radar.

AtkinsRealis is an organization with decades of experience in nuclear energy projects worldwide and is known as the developer of CANDU technology. CANDU reactors are recognized for their technical advantages, such as the ability to use natural uranium and the capability to refuel while the reactor is in operation. These features stand out as elements that can increase operational continuity in Türkiye's nuclear energy strategy. Previous contacts between Canada and Türkiye in the field of nuclear energy have now been moved to a concrete engineering stage with this agreement.

This cooperation can be read as a harbinger of a new era in Türkiye's energy diplomacy. Such partnerships, especially those developed with Western nuclear technology providers, expand Türkiye's international cooperation network in the nuclear field and accelerate technology transfer processes. TÜNAŞ's role in this process creates a critical supervisory and executive mechanism to ensure the project is carried out in full compliance with Türkiye's national interests and safety standards.

Expert and Industry Insights

Energy sector experts state that this agreement could be a turning point for Türkiye's nuclear energy vision. According to experts, the acquisition of CANDU technology will increase diversity in nuclear energy production and place energy supply security on a more solid foundation. Industry representatives emphasize that such large-scale projects offer a significant opportunity not only for electricity generation but also for high-tech transfer and the adaptation of local industry to nuclear standards.

• The capacity of CANDU reactors to operate with natural uranium provides flexibility in the fuel supply chain.
• The ability to refuel while the reactor is running minimizes plant downtime and increases efficiency.
• Feasibility studies contribute to the development of Türkiye's domestic engineering capacity in the nuclear field.
• The project directly serves Türkiye's goals of reducing its carbon footprint.
• International cooperation facilitates the adoption of global standards in nuclear safety and regulatory processes.

Technical analysts state that this agreement with AtkinsRealis aligns with Türkiye's goal of integrating its nuclear energy ecosystem with global standards. It is anticipated that the work to be carried out during the front-end design phase will minimize potential risks that may be encountered in the later stages of the project.

Economic and Social Implications

Nuclear energy projects are known for their massive investment costs and long-term economic returns. Türkiye's investments in this field aim not only to reduce energy costs but also to provide the uninterrupted and cost-effective electricity required by the industry. This agreement is of great importance in terms of Türkiye's strategy to reduce its dependence on energy imports.

From a social perspective, nuclear energy projects increase the demand for qualified labor and provide significant contributions to local economies. Thousands of engineers, technicians, and administrative personnel are employed during the construction and operation of nuclear facilities. This creates a new source of motivation for Türkiye's technical educational institutions and universities.

Furthermore, the use of nuclear energy as a base-load power source supports Türkiye's global competitiveness by increasing stability in industrial production. The predictability offered by nuclear energy against fluctuations in energy prices is accepted as one of the fundamental factors increasing investor confidence.

Future Projections and Outlook

In the coming period, the feasibility and front-end design studies to be conducted by TÜNAŞ and AtkinsRealis will form the basis for the final investment decision of the project. At this stage, reports will be prepared on a wide range of topics, from the geological structure of the site to environmental impact assessments. With the completion of official processes and the acquisition of necessary permits, the project's timeline will begin to clarify.

In Türkiye's nuclear energy roadmap, the goal is to increase installed capacity by the 2030s. This agreement has been recorded as one of the most concrete steps taken to achieve this goal. In terms of risk management, carrying out the project in compliance with international nuclear safety authorities will strengthen Türkiye's reputation in this field.

In conclusion, this cooperation between Türkiye and Canada is not just an engineering project, but also the extension of the strategic partnership between the two countries into the field of nuclear energy. In the coming years, depending on the results of this feasibility study, a new plant is expected to rise on Türkiye's nuclear energy map.