Turkey’s Nuclear Ambitions: Will It Finally Reduce Coal Dependence?

Turkey, Europe’s leading coal polluter, is making a bold push into nuclear energy, with one of the largest nuclear development pipelines in the world. With 4,800 megawatts (MW) of nuclear capacity under construction, Turkey ranks third globally in nuclear expansion, according to Global Energy Monitor (GEM). However, the country currently lacks any operational nuclear power plants.

Akkuyu Nuclear Plant: Delays, Costs, and High Expectations

The first unit of Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is slated to come online this year, eventually supplying around 10% of the nation’s electricity. But the project, launched in 2013 and built by Russia’s state-run Rosatom, has faced persistent delays and budget overruns, raising concerns over whether it will meet its timeline.

Given Turkey’s heavy reliance on coal—one of the world's highest consumers—any holdups in Akkuyu’s activation could force an increase in coal-fired electricity, exacerbating emissions. The plant’s first 1,200 MW unit is undergoing equipment testing and safety inspections, with full operation expected by 2028 as additional reactors are phased in annually.

However, Rosatom is encountering difficulties in procuring critical components due to sanctions imposed on Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The situation could worsen with fresh U.S. sanctions under President Donald Trump’s administration, potentially delaying Turkey’s nuclear transition.

Coal Power Still Dominates Turkey’s Energy Mix

While nuclear remains on the horizon, Turkey’s coal-fired plants continue to lead its energy production. In 2024, coal plants generated 121 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity—35% of Turkey’s total—and released 114 million tons of carbon dioxide, the highest in Europe from coal-fired sources, according to energy think tank Ember.

To fuel its 55 coal plants, Turkey imported 26.5 million metric tons of thermal coal last year, ranking eighth globally for coal imports, per ship-tracking firm Kpler. Meanwhile, hydropower contributed 75 TWh, and gas-fired plants generated 63 TWh. However, fluctuating rainfall and volatile gas prices have hindered significant expansion in these sectors, keeping coal as Turkey’s primary power source.

No Backup Plan If Nuclear Faces Further Delays

Despite its nuclear push, Turkey lacks a contingency plan should Akkuyu face further delays. There is no ongoing construction of additional coal plants, and only 890 MW of new gas-fired capacity is in development, according to GEM.

In the renewable sector, Turkey is building 250 MW of solar, 160 MW of hydropower, and 20 MW of geothermal capacity. Upon completion, these additions will raise clean energy’s share in Turkey’s electricity mix from 47% to 49.5%, while fossil fuel reliance will drop to 50.5%.

However, the total clean energy projects currently underway amount to less than 30% of the nuclear capacity in progress, highlighting Turkey’s confidence in Akkuyu’s completion. Until the nuclear reactors go online, the country’s power industry remains dependent on its coal-fired infrastructure.