Comprehensive 2026 guide to nuclear energy law in Turkey. Learn about nuclear licensing, Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Nuclear Regulatory Authority, foreign investment rules, nuclear liability, environmental compliance, safety regulations, and future nuclear projects in Turkey.

Nuclear energy has become one of the most strategically important components of Turkey’s long-term energy policy. As Turkey seeks to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, strengthen energy security, diversify electricity generation sources, and support economic growth, nuclear power has emerged as a major pillar of the country’s energy transition strategy.

The Turkish nuclear energy sector is undergoing a historic transformation. The country’s first nuclear power plant, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin, is progressing toward operational status, while additional nuclear projects are planned for Sinop and the Thrace region. Turkey has also announced plans to expand its nuclear capacity significantly in the coming decades.

For foreign investors, energy companies, infrastructure funds, technology suppliers, EPC contractors, nuclear service providers, and international organizations, understanding the legal framework governing nuclear energy is essential before entering the Turkish market.

This 2026 Legal Guide explains the most important aspects of Turkish nuclear energy law and highlights the key legal issues affecting foreign investors.

Overview of Nuclear Energy Development in Turkey

Turkey has pursued nuclear energy development for decades, but the sector entered a new phase with the construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

The Akkuyu project consists of four VVER-1200 reactors being constructed in Mersin Province under an intergovernmental agreement between Turkey and the Russian Federation. Once fully operational, the plant is expected to become one of the largest electricity generation facilities in the country.

Turkey’s long-term nuclear strategy also includes additional nuclear power projects at Sinop and Kırklareli (Thrace), together with potential future deployment of small modular reactors (SMRs).

Legal Framework Governing Nuclear Energy

Nuclear activities in Turkey are regulated through a combination of:

• Nuclear Regulation Law
• Nuclear safety regulations
• Radiation protection legislation
• Environmental legislation
• International treaties
• Licensing regulations
• Administrative regulations issued by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority

The most significant legislative development was the Nuclear Regulation Law, which entered into force in March 2022 and established the modern legal framework for nuclear regulation in Turkey.

Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK)

The primary regulator of nuclear activities in Turkey is the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK).

The Authority is responsible for:

• Nuclear safety oversight
• Licensing activities
• Inspection procedures
• Radiation protection
• Enforcement actions
• Regulatory compliance monitoring

The NDK supervises nuclear facilities and ensures compliance with national and international nuclear safety standards.

Licensing of Nuclear Facilities

Nuclear facilities cannot be constructed or operated without regulatory approval.

Turkey applies a multi-stage licensing system that generally includes:

• Site approval
• Construction licensing
• Commissioning authorization
• Operating license

Each phase requires extensive technical documentation and regulatory review. Nuclear facilities must comply with detailed safety, environmental, engineering, and security requirements before obtaining approval.

Site Approval Requirements

Before construction begins, developers must obtain site approval.

Regulators evaluate factors including:

• Geological suitability
• Seismic risks
• Hydrological conditions
• Meteorological conditions
• Population density
• Emergency planning considerations

Site approval is one of the most important stages of the nuclear licensing process because it determines whether a location is suitable for nuclear operations.

Construction Licensing

Following site approval, developers must obtain a construction license.

The application process generally requires:

• Detailed engineering documentation
• Reactor design information
• Safety analyses
• Environmental assessments
• Quality assurance programs

Construction cannot legally commence without obtaining the required approvals from the regulatory authority.

Commissioning Authorization

Before nuclear fuel loading and operational testing, facilities must receive commissioning authorization.

Recent developments demonstrate the importance of this stage. In 2026, Turkey’s nuclear regulator granted a permit allowing commissioning work for Akkuyu Unit 2 after reviewing extensive technical documentation and regulatory submissions.

Commissioning activities are heavily regulated because they represent the transition from construction to operational readiness.

Operating Licenses

The final stage generally involves obtaining authorization for commercial operation.

Before issuing operational approval, regulators review:

• Safety systems
• Emergency preparedness
• Personnel qualifications
• Radiation protection measures
• Operational procedures

Only after satisfying regulatory requirements may a nuclear facility begin commercial electricity generation.

Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant

The most important nuclear energy project currently underway in Turkey is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant.

The project consists of four VVER-1200 reactor units and is being developed under a Build-Own-Operate model by Russia’s Rosatom. Total installed capacity is expected to reach approximately 4,800 MW.

Recent reports indicate that the first unit is moving toward commissioning and electricity generation, while additional units continue construction and testing activities.

Future Nuclear Projects

Turkey intends to expand its nuclear generation capacity beyond Akkuyu.

Major planned projects include:

• Sinop Nuclear Power Plant
• Thrace Nuclear Power Plant
• Potential Small Modular Reactor projects

The International Atomic Energy Agency’s country profile indicates that Turkey plans multiple nuclear facilities comprising a total of twelve reactor units.

Foreign Investment in Nuclear Projects

Foreign participation plays a central role in Turkey’s nuclear development strategy.

Foreign investors may participate through:

• Project development
• Technology transfer
• EPC contracts
• Equipment supply
• Infrastructure investments
• Engineering services

However, nuclear projects remain highly regulated, and foreign participation is generally subject to extensive governmental oversight.

Nuclear Safety Requirements

Safety is the foundation of Turkish nuclear regulation.

Operators must establish systems addressing:

• Reactor safety
• Radiation protection
• Emergency preparedness
• Physical security
• Operational reliability

The regulatory framework is heavily influenced by international nuclear safety principles and International Atomic Energy Agency standards.

Nuclear Security Regulations

Nuclear security obligations are separate from safety requirements.

Security measures may include:

• Access control systems
• Cybersecurity measures
• Physical protection systems
• Personnel screening
• Threat response planning

Operators must maintain robust security frameworks throughout the operational lifecycle.

Environmental Compliance

Nuclear projects are subject to environmental regulations.

Compliance obligations may include:

• Environmental impact assessments
• Monitoring programs
• Waste management plans
• Environmental reporting

Environmental compliance continues throughout construction, operation, decommissioning, and waste management phases.

Radioactive Waste Management

Radioactive waste management remains one of the most important legal issues in the nuclear sector.

Turkey has adopted international agreements relating to spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Waste management responsibilities involve both operational requirements and long-term regulatory obligations.

Operators must comply with strict rules governing:

• Storage
• Transportation
• Processing
• Disposal

Nuclear Liability Regime

Nuclear liability law governs compensation for nuclear damage.

Liability frameworks generally address:

• Operator responsibility
• Compensation mechanisms
• Third-party claims
• Insurance obligations

Nuclear liability rules differ significantly from conventional energy-sector liability frameworks because of the unique risks associated with nuclear activities.

Insurance Requirements

Nuclear operators may be required to maintain specialized insurance coverage.

Coverage may address:

• Nuclear incidents
• Environmental damage
• Third-party liability
• Property damage

Insurance requirements form an essential component of regulatory compliance.

Nuclear Supply Contracts

Nuclear projects rely on highly specialized contractual arrangements.

Examples include:

• EPC contracts
• Fuel supply agreements
• Technology transfer agreements
• Maintenance contracts
• Equipment supply agreements

These contracts often involve complex risk allocation mechanisms and regulatory compliance provisions.

Nuclear Fuel Regulations

Nuclear fuel management is subject to extensive oversight.

Regulations govern:

• Fuel procurement
• Transportation
• Storage
• Usage
• Return procedures

Fuel-related activities require regulatory approvals and continuous supervision.

Decommissioning Obligations

Nuclear facilities must eventually be decommissioned.

Legal requirements typically include:

• Decommissioning planning
• Financial provisions
• Environmental restoration
• Waste management

Operators must prepare for decommissioning obligations long before a facility reaches the end of its operational life.

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)

Turkey has expressed interest in small modular reactor technologies.

SMRs may offer advantages including:

• Lower construction costs
• Modular deployment
• Greater flexibility
• Enhanced scalability

Regulatory frameworks for SMRs continue to evolve globally, and Turkey is considering future legislative and regulatory developments in this area.

Nuclear Energy and Energy Security

One of the primary goals of Turkey’s nuclear strategy is energy security.

Nuclear power may help:

• Reduce import dependency
• Diversify electricity generation
• Improve supply stability
• Support economic growth

When fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to supply approximately 10% of Turkey’s electricity demand.

Common Legal Risks for Investors

Foreign investors should carefully evaluate:

• Licensing risks
• Regulatory delays
• Environmental compliance obligations
• Nuclear liability exposure
• Construction risks
• Political and geopolitical considerations

Comprehensive legal due diligence is essential before participating in nuclear projects.

Best Practices for Nuclear Investors

Successful investors generally:

• Conduct extensive regulatory due diligence
• Monitor licensing developments
• Evaluate liability frameworks
• Review environmental obligations
• Assess contractual risk allocation

A proactive legal strategy significantly reduces project risks.

Future Trends in 2026

Several developments are expected to influence Turkish nuclear energy law during 2026.

These include:

• Progress toward commissioning Akkuyu Unit 1
• Continued construction of additional Akkuyu units
• Development of Sinop and Thrace projects
• Expansion of nuclear regulatory frameworks
• Potential future SMR legislation

Turkey’s long-term nuclear strategy continues to focus on expanding generation capacity and strengthening energy security through nuclear power development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is nuclear energy legal in Turkey?

Yes. Nuclear energy activities are legally permitted and regulated under Turkey’s Nuclear Regulation Law and related legislation.

Which authority regulates nuclear energy in Turkey?

The Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) is responsible for supervising and regulating nuclear activities.

What is the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant?

Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, consisting of four VVER-1200 reactor units under construction in Mersin Province.

Can foreign investors participate in nuclear projects?

Yes. Foreign investors may participate through project development, technology transfer, EPC services, equipment supply, and infrastructure investments, subject to regulatory requirements.

Does Turkey have plans for additional nuclear power plants?

Yes. Turkey is pursuing additional projects at Sinop and Thrace and is evaluating future nuclear expansion opportunities.

Are nuclear facilities subject to environmental regulation?

Yes. Nuclear facilities must comply with environmental laws, impact assessment procedures, monitoring requirements, and waste management regulations.

What is the legal framework for nuclear licensing?

Turkey applies a multi-stage licensing system that generally includes site approval, construction licensing, commissioning authorization, and operating licenses.

Why should foreign investors obtain legal advice before investing in nuclear projects?

Professional legal guidance helps investors navigate licensing procedures, regulatory compliance requirements, contractual risks, liability issues, and investment structuring.

Legal Support and Contact Information

Nuclear energy projects involve a highly specialized legal framework that includes nuclear regulation, licensing procedures, environmental compliance, construction contracts, foreign investment regulations, liability issues, regulatory approvals, and long-term operational obligations. Whether you are a foreign investor, energy company, infrastructure fund, EPC contractor, technology supplier, lender, or project sponsor, obtaining legal guidance before entering the nuclear energy sector is essential.

Legal Support for Nuclear Energy Investors and Energy Companies

For a personalized legal assessment regarding nuclear energy projects, licensing procedures, regulatory approvals, foreign investment structures, EPC contracts, environmental compliance, Akkuyu-related opportunities, future nuclear projects, or energy investments in Turkey, you may contact our team.

Working with an experienced energy lawyer helps protect your interests, reduce legal risks, strengthen compliance, and support the successful implementation of nuclear energy investments.

Fırat Fesih Kaya Law

Phone: +90 312 434 22 22

Mobile: +90 532 769 22 22

Email: info@firatfesihkaya.av.tr

Address: Mevlana Boulevard No:221, Yildirim Tower No:148, 06520 Balgat, Cankaya, Ankara, Turkey