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“Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant: Türkiye’s First and Largest Nuclear Project with Controversies”
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By José Carlos Palma

Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, is currently under construction in the Mersin Province on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The project is being developed by Rosatom, a state-owned Russian nuclear energy company, and will consist of four VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors, each with a capacity of 1200 MW.

Construction on the first unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant began in April 2018, and it is expected to begin commercial operation in 2023. Once all four units are operational, the plant will have a total capacity of 4,800 MW, making it one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world.

The project has been controversial due to concerns about nuclear safety, environmental impact, and Turkey’s dependence on Russia for its energy needs. However, supporters of the project argue that it will help Turkey diversify its energy sources, reduce its dependence on imported energy, and contribute to its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is expected to cost around $20 billion and will be financed by a combination of loans from Russian banks and Turkish investors.

Location and Overview: Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is located in the Mersin Province on the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. The project is being developed by Rosatom, a state-owned Russian nuclear energy company. It will consist of four VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors, each with a capacity of 1200 MW, making it one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world. The project has been controversial due to concerns about nuclear safety, environmental impact, and Turkey’s dependence on Russia for its energy needs.

History: The idea of building a nuclear power plant in Turkey goes back to the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that the government began seriously considering the idea. In 2010, Turkey signed a deal with Russia to build the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, and in 2011, the Turkish Parliament approved the construction of the plant.

Construction: Construction on the first unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant began in April 2018. The construction of the plant is expected to take several years, and it is expected to begin commercial operation in 2023. Once all four units are operational, the plant will have a total capacity of 4,800 MW. The construction of the plant is expected to cost around $20 billion and will be financed by a combination of loans from Russian banks and Turkish investors.

Technical Specifications: Each of the four units of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will be a VVER-1200 pressurized water reactor, which is a type of reactor commonly used in Russian-designed nuclear power plants. The reactors will have a capacity of 1200 MW, and the plant will have a total capacity of 4,800 MW. The plant will use seawater from the Mediterranean for cooling.

Safety and Environmental Concerns: The construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant has been controversial due to concerns about nuclear safety and environmental impact. Turkey is located in a region prone to earthquakes, and there are concerns about the safety of the plant in the event of a major earthquake. Additionally, there are concerns about the potential impact of the plant on the environment and the nearby marine ecosystem.

Supporters of the project argue that the plant will help Turkey diversify its energy sources, reduce its dependence on imported energy, and contribute to its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Turkish government has stated that the plant will meet all international safety and environmental standards.

Conclusion: The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is a significant project for Turkey, as it will be the country’s first nuclear power plant and one of the largest in the world. The project has been controversial due to concerns about safety and the environment, but supporters argue that it will help Turkey meet its energy needs and reduce its dependence on imported energy. The construction of the plant is expected to take several years, and it will be interesting to see how it develops over time.


* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.

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