Türkiye today is taking steps that could fundamentally reshape its role in the global balance of power. The country is preparing to make a historic move—one that may, in the long run, bring it closer to the exclusive circle of nations with advanced nuclear capabilities. This ambition, for now, is focused not on creating nuclear weapons, but on achieving true technological sovereignty, energy independence, and elevating its status as a regional and global power. Yet, in the complex realm of nuclear technology, the line between civilian and military applications is often blurred, sparking inevitable debates and concerns around the world.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday a major step forward in the country’s energy sector and its first nuclear power plant.

Energy security and independence have become increasingly relevant topics for Türkiye amid the evolving geopolitical landscape and Ankara's ambitions to diversify its energy sources.

Türkiye aims to have three nuclear power plants by 2035, according to Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, who also stated that final decisions on two additional plants will be made next year.

The commissioning of the first reactor of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP) in Turkey will provide about 2.5% of the country's electricity needs, said Turkish Energy Minister A. Bayraktar, News.az reports citing Neftegaz.RU.

Türkiye plans to activate the first reactor of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in 2025 and start generating up to 64 GW of electricity within a year, as outlined in the country’s 2025 development plan approved by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, News.Az reports.