Rosatom’s Deputy CEO proposes leveraging Akkuyu insights for future nuclear projects

Kirill Komarov of Rosatom aims to apply the insights acquired from the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant to future nuclear projects, highlighting Türkiye’s crucial role in the expansion of nuclear energy

Deputy CEO of the Russian State Nuclear Energy Corporation (Rosatom) Kirill Komarov stated that the company aims to utilize the insights gained from the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project in building the next nuclear power plant.

Komarov stated that they have discussed with the Turkish government the possibility of implementing a project based on Russian technology in Sinop.

Tripling global nuclear capacity by 2050 for climate action

Komarov addressed questions from international press members, touching upon developments in the global nuclear energy sector.

During last year’s United Nations Climate Summit (COP28) in Dubai, Komarov recalled that a decision was made to triple the global nuclear energy capacity by 2050 as a measure to combat climate change.

Komarov emphasized that this goal implies increasing the current installed nuclear capacity of about 370 gigawatts to 1000 gigawatts by 2050, stressing the significant importance of further development of nuclear energy worldwide.

Highlighting Rosatom’s dominance in NPP exports, with an 88% share, Komarov noted that out of 25 units under construction globally, 22 belong to Russian technology.

Multiple NPPs needed to fulfill Türkiye’s energy needs

Komarov addressed ongoing negotiations with Türkiye for the second NPP project planned in Sinop. 

“Today, our agenda includes our flagship project in Türkiye, the Akkuyu NPP. This project is of great importance to us in terms of responsibility and investment,” he said.

He reiterated that Akkuyu NPP is a project implemented under the “build-own-operate” model, where Rosatom acts as the owner, investor, operator, and contractor simultaneously, underscoring their full responsibility for the final outcome.

Komarov stressed the importance of completing the construction of the plant within the timeframe specified in the intergovernmental agreement, with all four units to be completed by the end of 2028.

He mentioned the current high pace of preparations for the first unit and ongoing commissioning efforts.

Referring to Türkiye’s energy goals, Komarov praised Türkiye’s economic development and increasing electricity demand annually, suggesting the necessity for two or three major NPPs, perhaps along with several smaller ones, to meet future energy consumption.

Rosatom’s $5B contracts with Turkish firms for Akkuyu NPP

Komarov highlighted the significant involvement of Turkish companies in the nuclear industry, stating that approximately 30,000 people, mostly Turkish citizens, are working at the Akkuyu site.

Komarov expressed the desire to further utilize the experience and knowledge accumulated through the Akkuyu NPP project in future endeavors.

He mentioned ongoing discussions with the Turkish government regarding the possibility of implementing a project based on Russian technology in Sinop. He emphasized their dedication to ensuring that the experience gained by Turkish companies and partners in this project would be incorporated into the construction of the next NPP.

“Currently, we have signed contracts worth over $5 billion with Turkish companies within the framework of the Akkuyu NPP project. This amount solely represents the work done by Turkish companies for Akkuyu and will continue to grow. We want the experience gained in this project to be reflected in the construction of the next nuclear power plant,” he said. 

Source: Newsroom

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