The Brazilian Association for the Development of Nuclear Activities (ABDAN) and the Turkish Nuclear Industry Association (NIATR) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at developing, implementing, and civilian use of nuclear energy.
This three-year agreement is intended to bring the supply chains of both countries closer, stimulate bilateral trade, and create opportunities for joint investments. The partnership also includes holding industry events and potential future industrial joint ventures related to nuclear medicine.
The management of this agreement will be carried out through a steering group and action plans designed to translate knowledge exchange and institutional communication initiatives into practical results for companies from both nations.
ABDAN President Celso Cunha stated that cooperation with Turkey connects markets and opens direct channels for new business opportunities, strengthening the production chain and facilitating innovation exchange. He emphasized that Brazil's integration into this international ecosystem is necessary to transform technological potential into real opportunities for national industry.
The Brazilian plan also includes increasing nuclear capacity. In the National Energy Plan, the projected addition of this source by 2055 has been raised to 14 GW, up from the 8–10 GW considered in the plan until 2050. ABDAN advocates that this expansion be accompanied by the strengthening of national industry and the supply chain.
For its part, Turkey has also set ambitious goals for increasing its nuclear generation. The country intends to reach a capacity of 20 GW by 2050, including new projects beyond the existing Akkuyu plant. The Turkish government also plans to develop 5 GW using Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).
Akkuyu Project Details and Turkey's Plans
The Akkuyu plant, located in Mersin province, is Turkey's first major nuclear project. This complex will consist of four VVER-1200 type reactors with a total capacity of about 4.4 GW. The Turkish government expects the first electricity from Unit 1 to be generated as early as 2026.
The country also plans new facilities in Sinop and the Thrace region, while studying SMR technologies. The strategy involves increasing the participation of national industry and promoting technology transfer and skilled personnel training. This scenario explains the interest in expanding cooperation with foreign partners, as for Turkey, expanding the nuclear sector is linked not only to electricity production but also to the development of suppliers, technologies, and industrial competencies.
In the Brazilian case, the expansion of nuclear energy also opens opportunities for companies operating in fuel chains, engineering, equipment, services, and technologies. For instance, Brazil's Industrial Nuclear Enterprises (INB) are discussing expanding international partnerships in light of sector growth prospects. In May, the state corporation announced that meeting the goals set for Brazilian nuclear expansion would require a significant increase in domestic uranium production and an expansion of the country's fuel cycle.
Cooperation between ABDAN and NIATR can serve as a bridge between two industries striving to increase their capabilities and participation in the growing international nuclear market. The signing of the memorandum is part of a series of international missions organized by ABDAN this month at European forums. The delegation gathers prominent figures, experts, and representatives of companies and operators to discuss topics such as small modular reactors, energy security, mineral extraction, and the role of nuclear technologies in decarbonization.
The partnership with NIATR also occurs against the backdrop of broader international coordination in the nuclear sector. In March, ABDAN and NIATR were among the organizations participating in mobilizing the global nuclear industry around increasing global nuclear capacity by 2050.