The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is gradually taking shape, with plans to start in 2025. This significant development will bring much energy to Turkey, filling the demand and attending to climate objectives. The world’s biggest nuclear construction site has four reactors being built simultaneously. Moreover, energy from this plant alone will provide 10% of Turkey’s energy demand, a noteworthy figure. Even though it will be opened in 2025, with the first reactor named by then, it will not be fully completed until 2028. While there may be concerns with nuclear energy, this plant has not stopped. The large-scale project is over 30,000 workers strong and is a milestone for both Turkey and the nuclear energy supply. Furthermore, meeting environmental requirements, it is expected to reduce Turkey’s carbon emissions by 30 million tonnes each year through clean, carbon-free energy.
Project Factsheet
Location: Turkey
Capacity: 1,200 MWe
Region: Europe
Significance: One of the world’s largest nuclear power plants
Project Duration: 4 years
Cost of Construction: U.S. $25 Billion
The State of Affairs Regarding the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant
Though the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is imbued in numerous controversies, Turkey is focused on ensuring its delivery. Looking into the future while designing the plant, developers have also incorporated some of Turkey’s past nuclear goals. In the 1950s, Turkey’s nuclear ambitions were first talked about. Today, it is aimed to reach by 2050 a target capacity of 20,000 megawatts. Prioritizing the output of the power plant as well as its environmental impact. In developing the plant, maximizing energy production and protecting the environment have always come first in discussions.
In May 2010, Russia and Turkey signed an agreement that a subsidiary of Rosatom would build, own, and operate a power plant in Akkuyu. Construction of the first reactor commenced in April 2018. Russian nuclear construction company Atomstroyexport (ASE) and Turkish construction company Özdoğu signed the site preparation contract. The contract includes excavation work at the site. Currently, the project is taking shape as Turkey seeks to commence an expeditious construction.
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The Significance of One of the Largest Nuclear Plants Globally
The significance of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is expected to be unprecedented in Turkey and Europe. The nation’s energy consumption has grown because of Turkish economic volume, industrialization, and population growth. The way to meet this energy need is to have a sustainable energy resource. However, Turkey does not have enough reserves of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas.
The current account deficit is one of the main problems of the Turkish economy. When it is considered the increase in the importation of fossil fuel costs and these fuels’ damage to the environment, Turkey has the need for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. The plant’s construction aligns with this objective as the government plans to meet energy needs with the plant. Once completed, Turkey aims to reduce the current account deficit by reducing energy imports. In addition, environmental protection will be ensured as much as provided for economic growth.
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