Türkiye in talks with Canadian firm over cooperation on nuclear power plant: minister

ANKARA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Türkiye is holding discussions with Canada-based engineering firm AtkinsRealis over potential cooperation on new nuclear power plant projects, a cabinet minister said Thursday.

"We are continuing our discussions with leading global companies in the field regarding the large-scale nuclear power plants we plan to build in our country," Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said on social media platform X.

Bayraktar noted that the ministry hosted a delegation from AtkinsRealis in Ankara.

The meeting focused on possibilities for nuclear power plant construction in Türkiye's Black Sea province Sinop and northwestern Thrace regions, according to the minister.

Both parties also examined the applicability of Canada deuterium uranium (CANDU) technology, said Bayraktar, adding that, "We mutually decided to begin technical studies."

AtkinsRealis, formerly known as SNC-Lavalin, is recognized for its nuclear technology expertise, including the Canadian-developed CANDU reactor systems.

Türkiye is increasing its investments in nuclear power as part of a broader strategy to reduce its dependence on energy imports and ensure long-term energy security.

The country's Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, being built in partnership with Russia's Rosatom, is expected to start generating electricity from its first reactor in 2026. Enditem