Akkuyu: Strategic launch of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant

The Akkuyu nuclear power plant, a strategic milestone for Turkey, is set to transform the country's energy supply.

Share:

Avancée du premier projet nucléaire civil de la Turquie

The Akkuyu project, located in Turkey’ s Mersin province, represents a decisive step towards the country’s energy autonomy. The result of a 2010 intergovernmental agreement between Russia and Turkey. This project is led by Rosatom, which is adopting an innovative business model: build, own and operate (BOO). With four VVER-1200 reactors, the plant aims to cover around 10% of Turkey’s electricity needs by 2028. This project, which marks the emergence of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, positions the country as a new powerhouse in nuclear technology .

Unique construction challenges

The construction of the power plant brings engineering challenges to the fore. The nine roof sections, each weighing between 95 and 175 tonnes and measuring 61 metres in length, were installed using a Liebherr 13000 crane. Each section required an installation precision of 10 millimeters. A remarkable feat given the difficult weather conditions and tight schedule.

Successes and next steps

Sergei Butskikh, First Deputy Director of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, stresses the importance of flawless execution in this phase. With the completion of this stage, the team is preparing to install the main components of the turbogenerator. Commissioning of the first reactor is scheduled for 2025, marking the start of nuclear power supplies to the Turkish grid.
The Akkuyu project is more than just a technical achievement, it reflects a strategic vision for Turkey’s energy future. Navigating through technical and political challenges, this project symbolizes a major turning point for the country’s energy independence and sustainability.

 

 

 

The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.