Canadian nuclear firm signs deal to study six-reactor power plant in Turkey

ASM, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
November 13, 2026

Photo courtesy: Reuters

Canadian engineering company AtkinsRéalis is moving closer to a potential major nuclear energy project in Turkey after signing an agreement to study the development of a power plant with six reactors and a combined capacity of 4.5 gigawatts.

The agreement, announced on November 12, was signed by AtkinsRéalis subsidiary Candu Energy and Turkey’s state-owned nuclear energy company, TÜNAŞ, during the COP31 climate conference in Antalya.

The proposed facility would use Canadian-developed CANDU nuclear reactor technology as Turkey seeks to expand its electricity supply and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Under the agreement, AtkinsRéalis will conduct a comprehensive feasibility study examining whether the project is technically, environmentally and financially viable.

The assessment will cover potential locations, infrastructure requirements, construction costs, environmental considerations and financing options. It will also explore opportunities for Turkish companies and workers to participate in the project.

The feasibility study is expected to be completed before the end of 2027. Preliminary engineering and design work could continue into 2028 before a final investment decision is made.

No construction commitment has been made. The agreement covers project assessment and planning, not the construction of a nuclear power plant.

AtkinsRéalis nuclear division president Joe St. Julian confirmed that discussions currently involve six reactors capable of generating a combined 4,500 megawatts of electricity.

The proposed development would represent a significant expansion of Canadian nuclear technology overseas if it receives investment approval

Turkey has been pursuing additional nuclear power projects to meet growing electricity demand and strengthen its long-term energy security.

The country is already developing the 4.8-gigawatt Akkuyu nuclear power plant with Russia’s Rosatom. It is also considering additional nuclear facilities in Sinop, along the Black Sea, and the northwestern Thrace region.

Turkey aims to increase its nuclear power capacity to 10 gigawatts by 2040, with nuclear energy expected to account for approximately 11% of its electricity demand by that year.

For Canada, the agreement creates another opportunity to expand the international use of CANDU technology, which was developed domestically and is already operating in several countries.

AtkinsRéalis president and CEO Ian Edwards said the partnership supports Canada’s efforts to strengthen international nuclear cooperation while helping Turkey pursue its energy and climate objectives.

The latest agreement follows an earlier memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies in March 2026 to explore the potential use of Canadian nuclear technology in Turkey.

The findings of the feasibility study will help determine whether the proposed plant can proceed to the investment and construction stages.