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 Cover

• What really happens before construction begins on a nuclear plant
• Why nuclear construction is fundamentally different from other mega-projects
• How contractors and subcontractors become “nuclear-qualified”
• The role of supply chains and long-lead equipment in schedule success
• Lessons learned from Vogtle Units 3 & 4
• What it means to build a first-of-a-kind plant in Poland
• How advanced reactors like Natrium change construction (and what stays the same) 

About our Guest

Ahmet 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 Season

This 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/