On Thursday, September 25, 2025, Türkiye and the United States took a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral ties by signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at deepening their partnership in the field of nuclear energy. The agreement, formalized during President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's high-profile visit to the White House, marks a pivotal moment in the two nations' long-standing relationship, signaling a shared commitment to advancing civilian nuclear cooperation for mutual benefit. The signing ceremony, attended by key leaders from both countries, underscored the strategic importance of this collaboration in addressing global energy demands, enhancing energy security, and fostering sustainable development.
The announcement was made by Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister, Alparslan Bayraktar, through a statement on Türkiye’s social media platform, NSosyal. Minister Bayraktar emphasized the significance of the agreement, noting that it would further deepen the "deep-rooted and multidimensional partnership" between Türkiye and the United States in the nuclear energy sector. "We signed the memorandum of understanding on Strategic Civilian Nuclear Cooperation with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the presence of the leaders," Bayraktar stated. He expressed optimism about the future, adding, "I hope that the work to be carried out within the scope of the agreement will produce mutual benefits for both countries in the coming period."
A Strategic Move in a Changing Energy Landscape
The signing of the MoU comes at a time when global energy dynamics are undergoing a profound transformation. With the world grappling with the dual challenges of meeting rising energy demands and reducing carbon emissions, nuclear energy has emerged as a critical component of the global energy mix. Unlike fossil fuels, nuclear power offers a low-carbon, reliable, and efficient source of energy, making it a cornerstone of many nations' strategies to achieve energy security and combat climate change. For Türkiye and the United States, this agreement represents a strategic alignment of interests, combining Türkiye’s ambitious nuclear energy goals with the United States’ technological expertise and leadership in the global nuclear industry.
Türkiye has been steadily expanding its nuclear energy ambitions as part of its broader energy strategy. The country aims to diversify its energy mix, reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels, and meet its growing electricity demands driven by rapid industrialization and population growth. Currently, Türkiye is home to the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, a major project under construction in the Mersin province, developed in collaboration with Russia’s Rosatom. The Akkuyu plant, which is expected to become operational in phases starting in 2025, will have a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts and is projected to meet approximately 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs once fully operational. However, Türkiye’s nuclear ambitions extend beyond Akkuyu, with plans to develop additional nuclear facilities in Sinop and Thrace to further bolster its energy infrastructure.
The United States, on the other hand, is a global leader in nuclear technology and innovation. With a robust nuclear industry, decades of operational experience, and a strong regulatory framework, the US is well-positioned to support Türkiye’s nuclear aspirations. The MoU signed on Thursday builds on this foundation, creating a framework for collaboration in areas such as technology transfer, regulatory harmonization, workforce training, and joint research and development. By leveraging the United States’ expertise, Türkiye aims to accelerate its nuclear program while ensuring the highest standards of safety, security, and sustainability.
The Context of President Erdoğan’s Visit
President Erdoğan’s visit to the White House provided the diplomatic backdrop for the signing of the MoU. The visit, which included high-level discussions between Erdoğan and US President [Name], focused on strengthening bilateral ties across a range of sectors, including defense, trade, and energy. The nuclear cooperation agreement emerged as a highlight of the visit, reflecting the shared priorities of both nations in addressing global challenges such as energy security and climate change.
The presence of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the signing ceremony underscored the strategic importance of the agreement. Rubio, a prominent figure in US foreign policy, has been a vocal advocate for strengthening alliances to counter global challenges. His involvement in the MoU signing signals the United States’ commitment to deepening its partnership with Türkiye, a key NATO ally and a critical geopolitical player bridging Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
For Türkiye, the agreement aligns with President Erdoğan’s broader vision of positioning the country as a regional energy hub. By expanding its nuclear energy capacity, Türkiye aims to enhance its energy independence, reduce its reliance on imported natural gas, and strengthen its role in the global energy market. The partnership with the United States provides Türkiye with access to advanced nuclear technologies, regulatory expertise, and financing opportunities, all of which are critical to achieving these goals.
Details of the Memorandum of Understanding
While the specific details of the MoU have not been publicly disclosed, Minister Bayraktar’s statement suggests that the agreement encompasses a wide range of cooperative activities in the civilian nuclear sector. These may include:
Technology Transfer and Innovation: The United States is home to some of the world’s leading nuclear technology companies, such as Westinghouse and GE Hitachi. The MoU could facilitate the transfer of advanced reactor designs, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), which are gaining traction globally due to their flexibility, scalability, and enhanced safety features. SMRs could be particularly well-suited to Türkiye’s energy needs, offering a cost-effective and efficient solution for meeting electricity demands in remote or densely populated areas.
Regulatory Cooperation: Nuclear energy projects require stringent regulatory oversight to ensure safety, security, and environmental protection. The United States has one of the most robust nuclear regulatory frameworks in the world, overseen by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The MoU could enable Türkiye to benefit from US expertise in developing its own regulatory standards, aligning with international best practices set by organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Workforce Development: Building a nuclear energy program requires a highly skilled workforce, including engineers, technicians, and regulatory experts. The MoU may include provisions for training programs, educational exchanges, and capacity-building initiatives to prepare Türkiye’s workforce for the demands of its growing nuclear sector.
Research and Development: Collaborative R&D efforts could focus on next-generation nuclear technologies, such as advanced fuel cycles, waste management solutions, and fusion energy. By pooling resources and expertise, Türkiye and the United States could drive innovation in the nuclear sector, contributing to global efforts to make nuclear energy safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Financing and Investment: Nuclear power plants are capital-intensive projects that require significant upfront investment. The MoU could pave the way for US financial institutions, such as the Export-Import Bank, to support Türkiye’s nuclear projects through loans, guarantees, or public-private partnerships.
Broader Implications for Türkiye-US Relations
The nuclear cooperation agreement is not only a milestone in the energy sector but also a testament to the resilience of the Türkiye-US partnership. Despite occasional tensions in their bilateral relationship—stemming from issues such as defense policies, regional conflicts, and differing geopolitical priorities—the two countries have maintained a strong alliance rooted in shared interests. As NATO allies, Türkiye and the United States have a long history of collaboration on security, economic, and energy issues, and the MoU reinforces this commitment.
The agreement also has significant geopolitical implications. By strengthening ties with the United States in the nuclear energy sector, Türkiye is diversifying its energy partnerships at a time when global energy markets are increasingly volatile. While Türkiye has relied on Russia for the Akkuyu project, the new partnership with the United States signals a strategic balancing act, allowing Türkiye to reduce its dependence on any single partner and enhance its energy security.
Furthermore, the MoU aligns with the broader goals of both nations to address climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has emphasized the importance of nuclear energy in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. By expanding its nuclear capacity, Türkiye can reduce its reliance on coal and natural gas, which currently account for a significant portion of its electricity generation. Similarly, the United States, which has committed to decarbonizing its power sector by 2035, sees nuclear energy as a critical tool for achieving this goal.
Challenges and Opportunities
While the MoU opens up new opportunities for collaboration, it also comes with challenges that both countries will need to navigate. For Türkiye, one of the primary challenges is ensuring public support for its nuclear energy program. Public concerns about nuclear safety, particularly in the wake of high-profile accidents such as Fukushima in 2011, have led to debates about the risks and benefits of nuclear power. The Turkish government will need to engage in transparent communication and robust safety measures to build public trust in its nuclear ambitions.
Another challenge is the financial aspect of nuclear projects. The construction of nuclear power plants requires significant investment, and Türkiye will need to secure funding while managing the economic pressures of inflation and currency fluctuations. The partnership with the United States could help mitigate these challenges by providing access to financing and technical expertise.
For the United States, the MoU presents an opportunity to strengthen its influence in the global nuclear energy market. As countries like China and Russia expand their nuclear exports, the US has been working to regain its competitive edge. By partnering with Türkiye, the US can showcase its advanced technologies and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in the nuclear sector.
The Path Forward
The signing of the MoU marks the beginning of a new chapter in Türkiye-US relations, with nuclear energy as a key pillar of their partnership. In the coming months and years, both countries will need to work closely to translate the agreement into tangible outcomes. This could involve joint feasibility studies, pilot projects, and the establishment of working groups to oversee the implementation of the MoU.
For Türkiye, the agreement represents a critical step toward achieving its long-term energy goals. By diversifying its energy mix and embracing nuclear power, Türkiye can enhance its energy security, reduce its carbon footprint, and position itself as a leader in the regional energy market. For the United States, the partnership offers an opportunity to expand its influence in a strategically important region while advancing shared goals of sustainability and innovation.
As Minister Bayraktar noted, the work carried out under the MoU is expected to produce mutual benefits for both countries. By combining their strengths, Türkiye and the United States can set a global example of how strategic partnerships can drive progress in the energy sector. The agreement also sends a powerful message to the international community about the importance of collaboration in addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century.
Conclusion
The memorandum of understanding signed on September 25, 2025, between Türkiye and the United States is a landmark achievement that underscores the enduring partnership between these two nations. By deepening their cooperation in the nuclear energy sector, Türkiye and the US are paving the way for a more secure, sustainable, and prosperous future. As the world transitions to a low-carbon energy system, this agreement positions both countries at the forefront of the global nuclear renaissance, demonstrating the power of collaboration in tackling shared challenges.
With President Erdoğan’s visit serving as a catalyst, the MoU reflects a shared vision for innovation, energy security, and environmental stewardship. As both nations move forward with the implementation of this agreement, the world will be watching to see how this partnership shapes the future of nuclear energy and strengthens the bonds between Türkiye and the United States.
