A nuclear power plant under construction in Akkuyu, Turkey (Rosatom Digital Press Office/CC BY 4.0)

Canada’s AtkinsRéalis has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Turkey’s state-owned nuclear energy company at COP31 in Antalya to conduct a feasibility study exploring the expansion of Turkey’s nuclear sector.

AtkinsRéalis will do the study and a front-end engineering design (FEED) evaluation of a potential site’s characteristics, infrastructure requirements, environmental regulations and project development needs.

The consultant will also assess local supply chains, domestic nuclear expertise and long-term economic value.

The study is due to be completed by the end of 2027.

The MoA forms part of Canada’s nuclear energy strategy of selling AtkinsRéalis’ Candu reactor technology to other countries. There are currently 25 operational Candu reactors worldwide.

Joe St. Julian, president of AtkinsRéalis’ nuclear arm, said: “Countries are looking for reliable ways to strengthen energy security, resilience and meet rising electricity demand, and there is broad consensus that nuclear is an essential part of the solution.

“From Canada and the United States to Central Europe and the ASEAN region, governments are looking for proven technologies and experienced partners that can help turn nuclear ambitions into reality.”

According to the World Nuclear Association, Turkey has been planning nuclear stations since the 1970s but none are operational, although a four-reactor plant is being built in Akkuyu, which is being financed, built and operated by Russian state company Rosatom.