Canadian engineering firm AtkinsRealis is a contender to participate in the construction of Turkiye’s second nuclear power plant, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated during his visit to Ankara. The remarks came amid efforts to strengthen bilateral ties between Canada and Turkiye, which were elevated to a “strategic partnership” on Thursday, marking the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkiye.

The new partnership focuses on enhancing cooperation in several sectors, including trade and investment, defense, security, and energy. It aims to generate employment and business opportunities for companies from both countries.

Regarding Turkiye’s planned second nuclear power facility, Ankara has been in discussions with several international partners, including South Korea, Russia, China, and Japan. While the final decision rests with the Turkish government, Carney expressed optimism about Canada’s position in the selection process.

“There’s real competition, of course,” Carney said during remarks in Istanbul. He added that a decision on the project could be announced before the end of the year.

Carney highlighted Canada’s expertise in nuclear technology, particularly the CANDU reactor system, as well as existing partnerships with Turkish businesses involved in construction and supply chains. He described these factors as making Canada’s bid “quite a compelling proposition” for the Turkish authorities.

The development of Turkiye’s second nuclear plant is part of the country’s broader energy strategy to diversify its electricity generation sources and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. The government’s engagement with multiple international partners underscores the competitive landscape for the contract and Turkiye’s commitment to securing advanced technology and investment in its nuclear energy sector.