At the COP29 U.N. Climate Change Conference in Baku, Türkiye announced its endorsement of the "Declaration to Triple Nuclear Energy Capacity by 2050," joining 31 countries committed to the initiative. Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar revealed the country’s pledge on social media, highlighting plans to contribute 20,000 MW of nuclear-installed capacity toward achieving global net-zero emission targets.
The declaration, initially signed at COP28 in Dubai, emphasizes the essential role of nuclear energy in meeting the Paris Agreement goals. Sama Bilbao y Leon, director general of the World Nuclear Association, welcomed Türkiye alongside new endorsing nations—El Salvador, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kosovo, and Nigeria—calling it a "milestone" for global energy security and climate action.
"Nuclear energy now has the backing of the world’s biggest banks, advanced technology companies, and growing public support," said Bilbao y Leon, highlighting nuclear’s ability to deliver reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy.
Türkiye's nuclear ambitions are integral to its energy transition strategy. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, currently under construction in Mersin, will be the country's first operational nuclear facility. Plans for additional plants in Sinop on the Black Sea coast and in the Thrace region are also underway. Small modular reactors (SMRs), offering 300-400 MW capacity, are expected to complement these larger facilities, providing a cost-effective and versatile energy solution.
Beyond nuclear, Türkiye aims to expand its renewable energy capacity significantly. The country has set a target of 120,000 MW for wind and solar power generation by 2035, reinforcing its commitment to a diverse and sustainable energy mix.
With nuclear power seen as a key pillar of global decarbonization efforts, Türkiye's endorsement of the declaration signals its readiness to play an active role in advancing clean energy solutions.
