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Siemens addresses Rosatom’s accusations over Türkiye’s Akkuyu Nuclear

Siemens addresses Rosatom's accusations over Türkiye's Akkuyu Nuclear A turbine of the Nord Stream 1 pipeline is pictured at the plant of Siemens Energy in Muelheim an der Ruhr, western Germany on on Aug. 3, 2022. (AFP Photo)
By Newsroom
Jan 10, 2025 12:26 PM

German giant Siemens Energy announced that it obtained the necessary export permits for the required equipment of Türkiye’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project and resumed negotiations with its clients, in response to Rosatom’s intention to take legal action over the conflict.

Speaking with German-based DW’s Russian service on Jan. 7, Tim Proll-Gerwe, a spokesperson for Siemens Energy, revealed that the company had been waiting for an extended period to receive approval from Germany’s export control authority for the production and export of electrical transmission equipment required for the Akkuyu project. However, all necessary permits were recently finalized, and Siemens Energy stated its readiness to fulfill its contractual obligations.

Siemens
The main components of the reactor shaft are assembled in the 4th power unit of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), which is under construction in the Gulnar district of Mersin, Türkiye. (AA Photo)

Meanwhile, it has come to light that another partner of the project, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom had previously sourced alternative equipment from a Chinese supplier, with deliveries to Akkuyu already underway.

DW commented on the delay in Siemens Energy’s export permits, questioning whether it stemmed from bureaucratic hurdles or a deliberate strategy to pressure Rosatom into abandoning German equipment.

Siemens Energy emphasized that its previous agreements with Rosatom were conducted strictly within the framework of legal obligations and in compliance with international sanctions. However, given that China has already supplied alternative equipment for Akkuyu, it is unlikely that Rosatom will revert to collaborating with the German company.

Siemens Energy is reportedly safeguarded against potential compensation claims through €7.5 billion ($7.28 billion) in credit guarantees provided by the German government in 2023.

Rosatom announced legal action over Siemens

Rosatom had earlier declared its intention to take legal action against Siemens Energy for failing to deliver the equipment required for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, as CEO Alexey Likhachev recently accused Siemens Energy of causing delays and announced plans to seek compensation for additional costs and setbacks in assembly processes.

Siemens
Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation. (AA Photo)

Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar previously confirmed that Rosatom had placed orders for alternative equipment from China. In October 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak corroborated that some of this equipment had already been delivered to Akkuyu.

While these developments may strengthen Rosatom’s potential claims for compensation, they also highlight Siemens Energy’s efforts to maintain its international reputation.

Last Updated:  Jan 10, 2025 4:42 PM