Turkey Proposes Energy Cooperation Pact With Italy
Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar seeks joint initiatives while outlining climate targets for COP 31.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Energy
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Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has called for intensified energy cooperation between Turkey and Italy to strengthen regional energy stability. This proposal comes as Turkey prepares to host the COP 31 climate conference in 2026.
Why it matters
Turkey is actively looking to reduce its reliance on energy imports by pivoting toward domestic renewable energy and nuclear power. Expanding collaborative efforts with Italy is part of a broader strategy to accelerate carbon neutrality efforts through shared initiatives.
The Akkuyu nuclear project includes the construction of 4 reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 megawatts. The facility, which has an estimated total cost of $20 billion, represents a cornerstone of Turkey's plan to integrate nuclear power into its energy mix.
The players
Alparslan Bayraktar
He is the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources for Turkey who is leading the country's current energy strategy.
Rosatom
This is a Russian state-owned nuclear energy corporation that is collaborating with Turkey on the Akkuyu nuclear facility.
The details
Minister Bayraktar highlighted that Turkey will propose a 35% global electrification goal by 2035 during the COP 31 conference. Business leaders from Italy and Turkey discussed potential joint energy initiatives at a recent meeting organized by the Italian Embassy in Istanbul.
Timeline
Construction began on the Akkuyu nuclear power plant in 2015.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar called for increased cooperation with Italy on October 27, 2026.
Turkey will host the UN Climate Change Conference COP 31 in November 2026.
The target year for achieving a 35% global electrification rate is 2035.
The Big Picture
Turkey's strategy to promote a 35% electrification goal serves as a baseline for the discussions anticipated at the UN Climate Change Conference COP 31. This initiative marks a shift in how the nation coordinates its domestic energy growth with international climate obligations.
The transition toward large-scale nuclear power at the Akkuyu facility could eventually lower energy import costs for the Turkish economy. These shifts in energy infrastructure are designed to provide more stable power supplies and contribute to broader carbon reduction targets.
The takeaway
Turkey is leveraging a mix of international partnerships and significant nuclear investment to meet its long-term energy independence goals. These efforts highlight a growing trend of nations utilizing large-scale infrastructure projects to anchor their climate neutrality pledges.
Further reading
For more on international energy developments, visit the Energy section.
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Do you believe international cooperation on energy infrastructure projects strengthens the national economy?
