The initial unit at the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is nearing the loading of dummy fuel, and with three additional units currently under construction, Turkey and Russia have explored the possibility of collaborating on a second nuclear power plant within Turkey.
High-Level Talks in Istanbul
Rosatom CEO Alexei Likhachev and Turkey’s Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar held discussions in Istanbul, focusing on the progress of the Akkuyu project.
Likhachev emphasized the priority of preparing for the launch of the first power unit, stating, “Our primary efforts are centered on getting the first power unit operational – we are actively conducting comprehensive commissioning work and preparing the reactor installation for the loading of fuel simulators. We understand the importance for Turkey to introduce ‘first nuclear electricity’ into its energy system as swiftly as possible.”
Bayraktar highlighted the ongoing efforts, saying, “We deliberated on the current state of the Akkuyu NPP site and the roadmap for commissioning the plant’s first power unit. We are working diligently to commission the first unit at the earliest opportunity. Simultaneously, the construction of the other three power units is progressing.”
Potential Second Nuclear Power Plant
According to a statement from Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear corporation, the two parties also explored the possibility of Rosatom being entrusted with the construction of Turkey’s proposed second nuclear power plant in Sinop.
Akkuyu: Turkey’s First Nuclear Venture
Located in the southern Mersin province, Akkuyu is Turkey’s inaugural nuclear power plant. Rosatom is constructing four VVER-1200 reactors under a build-own-operate (BOO) model.
The 2010 Intergovernmental Agreement between Russia and Turkey stipulates that the commissioning of the first power unit must occur within seven years of obtaining all necessary construction permits.
Akkuyu Project Timeline and Progress
The construction license for the first unit was granted in 2018, with work commencing that same year. Nuclear fuel was delivered to the site in April 2023.
Turkey’s Nuclear Regulatory Agency authorized the commissioning of the first unit in December, and in February, it was announced that the reactor compartment had been prepared for controlled assembly, with the generator stator also installed in its designated position.
Future Outlook and Expansion Plans
The goal is for Unit 1 to begin supplying electricity to Turkey’s power grid in 2025.
Upon completion, the 4,800 MWe plant is expected to meet approximately 10% of Turkey’s electricity needs, with the ambition of having all four units operational by the end of 2028.
Discussions with Multiple Countries
In March, Bayraktar reportedly stated that Turkey was engaged in discussions with Russia and South Korea regarding the Sinop plant, and was also in talks with China about plans for a third nuclear power plant in the Thrace region in the country’s northwest.
He expressed confidence in meeting the 2028 target for all units to be online, despite some challenges related to sanctions.
Overcoming Sanctions
Last week, according to the Tass news agency, Likhachev acknowledged the impact of sanctions on Rosatom’s operations, stating that they had created difficulties for “our legal entities and banks.” However, he emphasized that construction was continuing, asserting, “the dogs bark, but the caravan moves on.”