Built By Bechtel: How to Build Advanced Nuclear with Ahmet Tokpinar

Nuclear power is often described as essential for climate goals, grid reliability, and energy security.But here’s the real question:Can we actually build it safely, on time, and on budget?In this episode of Naked Nuclear, Danielle Allen sits down with Ahmet Tokpinar, Principal Vice President and General Manager of Nuclear Power at Bechtel, to unpack the boots-on-the-ground reality of building nuclear power plants in today’s world.From geotechnical investigations and contractor qualification to long-lead supply chains and workforce development, this conversation moves beyond theory and into execution, exploring what it actually takes to deliver nuclear infrastructure at scale.What We CoverWhat really happens before construction begins on a nuclear plantWhy nuclear construction is fundamentally different from other mega-projectsHow contractors and subcontractors become “nuclear-qualified”The role of supply chains and long-lead equipment in schedule successLessons learned from Vogtle Units 3 & 4What it means to build a first-of-a-kind plant in PolandHow advanced reactors like Natrium change construction (and what stays the same) About our GuestAhmet Tokpinar is Principal Vice President and General Manager of Nuclear Power at Bechtel.He leads Bechtel’s global nuclear portfolio, spanning large reactors, advanced reactors, operating plant modifications, and fuel cycle work.With more than 30 years of experience in nuclear project execution and business strategy, Ahmet has played a leadership role in major projects including Vogtle 3 & 4, Poland’s nuclear deployment, and the Natrium advanced reactor.About the SeasonThis episode is part of Season 3: How to Build a Nuclear Power Plant, a deep dive into the companies, people, and systems required to move nuclear from blueprint to grid.Further Reading: https://www.bechtel.com/markets/nuclear-power/https://www.bechtel.com/projects/vogtle-units-3-and-4/https://www.bechtel.com/projects/poland-ap1000-nuclear-power-plant/https://www.bechtel.com/projects/natrium-demonstration-project/