Türkiye’s long-standing ambition to establish itself as a self-sufficient energy nation is taking a definitive leap forward. Speaking at TercihFest 2025, an academic orientation event jointly organized by İbn Haldun University and Istanbul Technical University, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar declared that Türkiye’s 70-year nuclear energy dream is finally materializing.
The minister engaged with prospective university students alongside Presidential Advisor Akif Çağatay Kılıç in a wide-ranging discussion that covered everything from global energy trends to Türkiye’s domestic innovation agenda.
Energy is No Longer Optional but Essential in Every Aspect of Life
Bayraktar began by highlighting the shift in global energy consumption. Electricity is no longer just a convenience for lighting homes. It has become an indispensable part of every facet of modern life, from digital technologies to healthcare, transportation, and food supply chains.
“We are living through a critical transformation. Global systems shaped by capitalism are beginning to evolve. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet-based platforms, and decentralized communications are redefining future careers and responsibilities,” Bayraktar stated.
He encouraged students to embrace a multi-disciplinary approach in their education. According to the minister, the future of Türkiye will depend heavily on three main pillars. These are defense, food security, and energy security. Each of these sectors will require young minds who are prepared to solve complex problems and lead with resilience.
Türkiye’s Two Major Energy Challenges
Bayraktar was candid about the two pressing challenges his ministry faces. The first is Türkiye’s rapidly growing energy demand. With a population exceeding 86 million and rising industrial needs, the country requires a significant expansion of its energy infrastructure.
The second challenge is Türkiye’s continued reliance on imported energy sources. Historically, the country has not been considered rich in petroleum or natural gas reserves. The minister explained that this dependency poses strategic risks.
“If a country is dependent on others for energy, it cannot guarantee stability during crises. Vehicles could stop, homes could go dark, and economic activity could collapse. We must overcome this vulnerability,” Bayraktar warned.
From Exploration to Action
In response to this dependence, Türkiye has committed to exploring its natural resources more aggressively. The government has invested in advanced seismic and drilling vessels, forming a capable team to carry out exploration both offshore and on land.
“We made a choice. We asked whether we had explored enough. The answer was no. So we took action. We now operate our own exploration ships. We believe in our capacity to find and develop our own resources,” he added.
Recent exploration campaigns in the Black Sea and eastern Anatolia have yielded promising findings, strengthening Türkiye’s resolve to achieve energy independence.
Nuclear Energy Moves From Vision to Reality
The centerpiece of Bayraktar’s speech was Türkiye’s advancements in nuclear energy. “For 70 years, Türkiye has dreamed of nuclear power. Now, we are turning that dream into a reality,” he said with visible pride.
Currently, four nuclear reactors are under construction at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Additional projects are being planned for Sinop and Thrace, including the use of small modular reactors that offer flexibility and reduced construction timelines.
By the 2050s, Türkiye aims to achieve a nuclear generation capacity of 20,000 megawatts. This would place the country among the world’s significant nuclear energy producers, joining the ranks of nations like the United States, France, Germany, and Bulgaria.
Bayraktar addressed critics of nuclear energy by questioning the double standards often applied. “If nuclear plants are dangerous, why do our neighbors have them? Radiation knows no borders. If safety is the concern, then the focus should be on how to do it safely, not on avoiding it altogether,” he asserted.
Renewables and Responsibility
Bayraktar reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to renewable energy and environmental responsibility. He emphasized that nuclear energy would be just one component of a larger strategy that includes solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power.
The minister also put global carbon emissions into perspective. “Türkiye is responsible for just 1 percent of global emissions. In contrast, developed nations consume far more electricity per capita. For example, an American consumes nearly 14,000 kilowatt-hours per year, while the average in Türkiye is just 4,000. Yet, the pressure to reduce emissions is often unfairly distributed,” he explained.
Bayraktar argued that while Türkiye is willing to do its part in global climate efforts, the burden must be shared more equitably among the countries that have historically contributed the most to the problem.
Collective Effort and a National Goal
The speech ended on a hopeful and motivational note. Bayraktar expressed confidence in Türkiye’s young generation, calling on students to be part of the solution.
“We will use renewables, we will develop nuclear, and we will build an energy system that is resilient, clean, and independent. But this cannot be achieved by one ministry or one government alone. It must be a collective national effort. With your energy and your innovation, Türkiye will become energy independent. And with that, economically independent as well,” he concluded.
Türkiye’s Future Is Powered by Its People
TercihFest 2025 was more than just an academic fair. It became a forum for shaping national direction. The participation of high-level government officials turned the event into a bridge between educational aspirations and national strategy.
Bayraktar’s remarks offered students a clear message. Their choices, their fields of study, and their commitment to national service will play a crucial role in defining Türkiye’s place in the world over the next several decades.
As the country moves toward a new energy paradigm, it will rely on future scientists, engineers, economists, and policy makers who are both technically skilled and deeply rooted in the national interest.
Conclusion
Türkiye’s 70-year nuclear journey is no longer just a distant goal. It is now a construction project, an energy strategy, and a symbol of national determination. With plans to diversify its energy portfolio, reduce imports, and lead in clean energy innovation, Türkiye is positioning itself as a modern energy power.
The words of Minister Alparslan Bayraktar resonate as both a challenge and a call to action. Türkiye is no longer waiting for energy solutions from abroad. It is building them at home, one megawatt at a time.
