Recent developments indicate that the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey, being built by Russia’s state nuclear firm Rosatom, has entered its final phase, with Unit 1 reported to be about 99% complete and targeting first electricity generation in 2026, while the remaining three reactors are progressing toward full completion by around 2028.

The four-unit plant, each with roughly 1,200 MW capacity, is expected to play a major role in Turkey’s energy mix and is notable as the world’s first nuclear project implemented under a build-own-operate model.

At the same time, Vietnam is re-entering the nuclear energy space after a decade-long pause, and as of March 2026 has signed a cooperation agreement with Russia to develop the Ninh Thuan 1 plant, its first nuclear power facility, envisioned as two large reactors with a combined capacity of about 2,400 MW.

This creates a clear linkage between the two projects: both are driven by Rosatom’s export model and reflect how emerging economies are turning to nuclear energy to meet rising electricity demand, with Akkuyu serving as a near-completion example of Russia-led nuclear deployment, while Vietnam’s revived programme represents the next wave of similar projects likely to follow in its path.

September 21, 2024

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.

Project Team

Lead developer / owner-operator

Rosatom

The main developer, investor, and contractor under the build-own-operate (BOO) model.

Akkuyu Nukleer A.S.

Project company responsible for implementation, construction, and operation (a Rosatom subsidiary).

Core Russian consortium partners (shareholders / technical contributors)

These companies are part of the project company structure:

Atomstroyexport – EPC and nuclear construction

Rosenergoatom – operational expertise

Inter RAO – energy investment

Atomtechenergo – commissioning & startup

Atomenergoremont – maintenance support

Main construction contractors

Titan-2 IC Ictas Insaat A.S. (T2IC)

Initially the main EPC construction contractor.

TSM Enerji Insaat Sanayi Ltd.

Later appointed as the new main contractor after restructuring.

Ozdogu Insaat

Early site preparation and excavation works.

Turkish partner consortium (planned investors)

• Cengiz Holding
• Kolin Insaat
• Kalyon Insaat

These firms were intended to acquire up to 49% stake in the project company.

Key equipment and engineering suppliers

GE Steam Power (now part of Arabelle Solutions)

Supplies steam turbines for all units.

Assystem

Provides engineering and project management support.

Sintek Group

One of the major on-site contractors for auxiliary systems.

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A third and fourth Turkey Nuclear Power Plant to be Constructed

Construction proceeds at Turkey’s first nuclear plant