Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed confidence that Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRéalis has a strong chance of securing a major nuclear energy contract in Türkiye, highlighting growing economic and strategic ties between the two countries.
Speaking to reporters in Istanbul on Friday, Carney said the company’s proposal to supply Candu nuclear reactors for two planned Turkish power plants is gaining momentum. He noted that the project’s prospects have improved significantly over the past year, with negotiations expected to intensify ahead of a potential decision by the Turkish government.
Carney’s remarks came during meetings with Turkish business leaders, a day after Canada and Türkiye announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening cooperation in energy, mining, defence and other sectors.
The prime minister indicated that a decision on the nuclear project could come by the end of 2026, potentially around the COP31 United Nations Climate Change Conference, scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20.
Although Canada faces competition from other international suppliers, Carney emphasized that Candu technology, competitive financing arrangements and expanding commercial partnerships could strengthen the Canadian bid.
AtkinsRéalis president and CEO Ian Edwards, who is also visiting Türkiye, confirmed that the company is conducting a feasibility study for the potential installation of Candu reactors in Sinop, a city along Türkiye’s Black Sea coast.
In a LinkedIn post, Edwards acknowledged the support of Carney and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson in advancing the project and promoting Canadian nuclear technology internationally.
The latest developments follow months of diplomatic engagement between Ottawa and Ankara. In June, Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand hosted her Turkish counterpart in Canada, with Turkish officials visiting Ontario’s Darlington nuclear facility to examine Canada’s nuclear capabilities.
The visit followed the release of Canada’s nuclear strategy, which outlines plans to expand international sales of Candu reactors and establish a presence in at least four additional overseas markets by 2040. The strategy also aims to engage six to 10 emerging nuclear markets over the next 15 years.
Ottawa views nuclear technology exports as an opportunity to strengthen Canada’s position in global energy markets, expand uranium trade relationships and deepen international partnerships.
Carney also used his Istanbul visit to promote Canada as an attractive destination for international investment, pointing to changes in taxation, faster investment approval processes and stronger economic cooperation with foreign partners.
While acknowledging that commercial agreements are ultimately negotiated between businesses, the prime minister stressed the importance of government engagement in communicating Canada’s evolving investment environment and building confidence among international companies.
The potential Turkish nuclear contract represents a significant opportunity for Canada’s energy sector as Ottawa seeks to expand its global presence in nuclear technology and strengthen economic relations with Türkiye.
