The Akkuyu nuclear power plant in Turkey

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is one of the most ambitious and controversial energy projects of modern times in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The plant, located in the Mersin province of southern Turkey, represents a strategic move for the energy independence of its neighbor, while at the same time raising significant concerns for the environmental safety of the wider region.

General Characteristics of the Project

The Akkuyu nuclear power plant is Turkey's first commercial nuclear power plant and one of the country's largest energy projects. With a total cost of $20 billion, the project is being implemented in partnership with the Russian company Rosatom, which owns 51% of the project's shares.

The plant will have four state-of-the-art reactors VVER-1200 third generation, with a total capacity of 4,800 MW. The first unit is expected to be operational in 2025, while the remaining three units will be activated sequentially, one year apart, completing construction by 2028.

Strategic Importance for Turkey

Turkey, as a rapidly growing economy, faces increasing energy needs. According to estimates by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the country imports approximately 72% of its energy needs. The Akkuyu plant is expected to meet approximately 10% of Turkey's electricity needs, significantly contributing to reducing the country's energy dependence.

At the same time, the project is a key element of the strategic cooperation between Turkey and Russia in the energy sector. The Russian VVER-1200 technology is considered one of the most advanced nuclear power technologies in the world, offering high levels of safety and efficiency.

Environmental and Geological Concerns

Despite its technical advantages, the project has sparked strong reactions and concerns, particularly from neighboring countries and environmental organizations. The main concern is related to the fact that the Akkuyu area is located in a seismic zone, which increases the risks in the event of seismic activity.

Neighboring countries, particularly Greece and Cyprus, have expressed strong concerns about the safety of the project. The European Parliament has issued several resolutions calling on Turkey to halt the plant construction plans and comply with the Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context.

Technical Specifications and Safety

The VVER-1200 reactors to be installed at Akkuyu feature advanced safety systems, including passive safety systems that operate without external power supply. This technology is designed to withstand extreme conditions, including earthquakes and other natural disasters.

More than 30,000 workers are working on the project day and night, while Turkey has achieved a 56% local content rate in construction, strengthening domestic industry and know-how. This is an important step towards developing domestic capabilities in the nuclear sector.

Economic Impact

The Akkuyu project is expected to have a significant positive impact on the Turkish economy. In addition to creating thousands of jobs during the construction phase, the plant will continue to employ a large number of skilled personnel during its operation.

In addition, reducing dependence on energy imports will have long-term benefits for the country's trade balance. The plant will produce clean energy without carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to Turkey's environmental goals.

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Implications

The project has significant geopolitical dimensions, as it strengthens Turkish-Russian relations at a time when international relations are particularly complex. However, developments in Ukraine and international sanctions against Russia have raised additional concerns about the future operation and maintenance of the plant.

Turkey has even considered forcibly taking control of the project if deemed necessary for national security reasons, demonstrating the strategic importance Ankara attaches to the project.

Future and Prospects

As the project nears completion, discussions around safety and environmental impacts continue. The international community is closely monitoring developments, while neighboring countries insist on the need for transparency and compliance with international safety standards.

The Akkuyu nuclear power plant is a milestone for Turkey's energy strategy, but also a significant challenge for maintaining the environmental balance in the Eastern Mediterranean. Its successful operation will require continuous monitoring, transparency and cooperation with the international community to ensure the highest safety standards.

Official Sources:

1. Akkuyu Nuclear Official Website: https://akkuyu.com/en/about/info
2. Akkuyu Nuclear – Facts: https://akkuyu.com/en/facts
3. Akkuyu Nuclear – How it works: https://akkuyu.com/en/how-it-works
4. Turkish Nuclear Regulatory Authority: https://www.ndk.gov.tr/en-US/licensing-of-akkuyu-nuclear-power-plant

International Organizations:

5. IAEA – Turkey Starts Construction: https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/turkey-starts-construction-of-its-first-nuclear-power-plant
6. IAEA PRIS Database – Akkuyu-2: https://pris.iaea.org/pris/CountryStatistics/ReactorDetails.aspx?current=1080
7. World Nuclear Association – Nuclear Power in Turkey: https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/turkey
8. World Nuclear Association – Akkuyu 1: https://world-nuclear.org/nuclear-reactor-database/details/akkuyu-1

News Sources:

9. Wikipedia – Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akkuyu_Nuclear_Power_Plant
10. Wikipedia – Nuclear power in Turkey: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_power_in_Turkey
11. World Nuclear News – Turkey and Russia nuclear projects: https://www.world-nuclear-news.org/Articles/Turkey-and-Russia-discuss-state-of-nuclear-project
12. ANS Nuclear Newswire – Commissioning work started: https://www.ans.org/news/article-5935/commissioning-work-started-atturkeys-first-nuclear-plant/

Analytical and Technical Sources:

13. NucNet – Turkey Local Content Rates: https://www.nucnet.org/news/turkey-reaches-56-local-content-rates-at-akkuyu-nuclear-station-says-official-1-4-2025
14. NucNet – Rosatom Construction Progress: https://www.nucnet.org/news/russia-s-rosatom-announces-construction-progress-at-akkuyu-2-4-3-2023
15. Dextra Group – Technical specifications: https://www.dextragroup.com/akkuyu-nuclear-power-plant/
16. TSO Turkey – VVER 1200 Reactor details: https://tsoturkey.com/page_fields_library_vver1200.html