Turkey is expected to complete an early-stage assessment of Canadian Candu nuclear reactor technology by the end of the summer, according to AtkinsRéalis, potentially paving the way for formal negotiations on a future nuclear power project.

The evaluation forms part of Ankara’s broader strategy to expand its nuclear energy capacity beyond its first plant, which is currently under construction by Russia’s Rosatom.

Turkish authorities have also been engaging with other international partners, including South Korea’s KEPCO and China’s SPIC, as they consider options for additional nuclear facilities.

AtkinsRéalis has recently entered the competition to supply reactor technology to Turkey, signing a memorandum of understanding with Turkey’s state nuclear operator, TUNAS, in March.The agreement allows both sides to assess the suitability of Candu reactor technology for Turkey’s energy needs.

As part of this process, Turkish officials have conducted technical visits to existing Candu reactor sites, including Romania’s Cernavodă plant and Canada’s Darlington facility, to better understand operational performance and technology applications.

According to AtkinsRéalis executives, multiple working teams are currently providing technical data to support TUNAS in completing its report this summer.

The findings are expected to inform recommendations to Turkish decision-makers, potentially leading to deeper negotiations for a second nuclear power plant.

This expansion is seen as important for Turkey’s long-term energy strategy, as its planned nuclear capacity still falls short of its 2035 targets, leaving a significant generation gap that requires additional investment and partnerships.