Canadian engineering company AtkinsRéalis is advancing plans to explore the potential construction of CANDU nuclear reactors in Turkey, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney saying the company is a contender to help build the country’s second nuclear power plant.
The proposed project is planned for Sinop, in Turkey’s Black Sea region. AtkinsRéalis Chief Executive Officer Ian Edwards said in a LinkedIn post that the company would conduct a feasibility study to advance the potential construction of CANDU reactors at the site.
The development follows an agreement between Canada and Turkey to strengthen their strategic partnership, including cooperation in energy, defence, security, trade and investment. Carney said the Turkish government would make the final decision on the nuclear project, but he believes Canada’s prospects have improved.
AtkinsRéalis Explores CANDU Technology for Sinop
Turkey has held discussions with several countries about its planned second nuclear power plant, including Canada, South Korea, Russia, China and Japan. The proposed facility is planned for Sinop, where AtkinsRéalis is exploring the potential application of its CANDU reactor technology.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul, Carney said there was active competition for the project and suggested a decision could be made before the end of 2026.
He highlighted Canada’s nuclear technology, partnerships with Turkish businesses and potential to develop elements of the supply chain as factors supporting its proposal.
“If you would have asked us a year ago how we would have pegged the chances, they would have been very low. Now there are good chances. There’s real competition, of course,” Carney said.
The feasibility study is an early step in assessing the potential project. The announcement does not confirm a construction contract, a final technology selection or a construction schedule for the proposed plant.
Canada and Turkey Strengthen Nuclear Energy Cooperation
The nuclear discussions form part of a broader effort by Canada and Turkey to expand economic and strategic cooperation. During Carney’s visit to Ankara, the two NATO allies upgraded their bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership, with energy identified as one of its principal areas of cooperation.
The agreement aims to create further opportunities for Canadian and Turkish businesses through expanded trade and investment. The countries also announced plans to increase collaboration across the energy sector, including civil nuclear energy, liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy.
For AtkinsRéalis, the potential Sinop project would provide an opportunity to explore the use of Canadian CANDU technology in Turkey’s nuclear power development programme. Carney also pointed to cooperation with Turkish companies in construction and the potential to establish supply-chain links as elements of Canada’s proposal.
Turkey’s government will ultimately determine which partner or technology is selected for the second nuclear power plant. The country has been considering proposals from several international participants, and the feasibility study does not guarantee that AtkinsRéalis will be selected.
Turkey’s Nuclear Programme Includes Multiple Planned Plants
Turkey is pursuing nuclear power development at several locations. Its first nuclear power station is under construction at Akkuyu, in the Mediterranean province of Mersin, by Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company Rosatom.
The Akkuyu project is being developed under a USD 20 billion agreement signed in 2010. Rosatom said in October 2026 that it expected a nuclear start-up at the site by the end of the year.
Beyond Akkuyu, Turkey plans a second nuclear power plant at Sinop and a third in the northwestern region of Thrace. The potential involvement of AtkinsRéalis in Sinop remains under consideration as Turkey engages with international partners.
The selection of a technology provider and project partner will be a significant step in determining how the second plant proceeds. At present, the AtkinsRéalis feasibility study represents progress in evaluating the CANDU option, rather than confirmation that construction will go ahead with the Canadian company.
Feasibility Study Precedes a Final Project Decision
Carney said the Turkish government would make the final decision on the second nuclear power plant and noted that competition from other international suppliers remains strong. He nevertheless expressed greater confidence in Canada’s position following the strategic partnership agreement.
AtkinsRéalis has identified the Sinop site as the focus of its feasibility work for potential CANDU reactor construction. The study is intended to advance consideration of the technology, while the broader bilateral agreement creates a framework for further cooperation in civil nuclear energy and other sectors.
No final contract, investment amount or construction timetable for the Sinop plant was announced in the report. The next major milestone will be Turkey’s decision on the project and the technology and partners it chooses to pursue.