Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant’s 1st reactor to meet 2.5% of Türkiye’s energy needs

The commissioning of the first reactor at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) is expected to meet approximately 2.5% of Türkiye’s electricity needs, according to Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar.

All 4 reactors to meet 10% of electricity needs

“The commissioning of the first reactor of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will generate 1,200 MW of electricity, meeting about 2.5% of Türkiye’s electricity demand. Once all four reactors are operational, nuclear energy will cover 10% of our electricity needs. This is particularly crucial for ensuring our country’s energy security and achieving climate goals,” Bayraktar said.

Bayraktar emphasized that the power plant would help Türkiye reduce annual natural gas imports by 7 billion cubic meters (bcm) to 7.5 bcm and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35 million tons.

The first reactor is scheduled to become operational in 2025.

Plans for new nuclear power plants in Sinop and Thrace

Türkiye is also planning two additional nuclear power plants, one in the Black Sea province of Sinop and another in Thrace, located in the European part of the country.

“2025 will be a year of critical decisions for us,” Bayraktar said.

He noted that negotiations are ongoing with Russia and South Korea for these projects. Rosatom has shown particular interest in the Sinop project, leveraging its experience from Akkuyu.

“Technical and financial working groups from both sides are continuing their meetings,” Bayraktar added.

Siemens equipment issue resolved

The long-standing issue regarding equipment ordered from German company Siemens for the Akkuyu project has been resolved, Bayraktar confirmed.

He explained that the order was initially placed by Rosatom in 2020, and although Siemens manufactured the equipment, it was never delivered due to the German government’s refusal to grant export permits.

“The order for this equipment was given to Siemens by the Russian company Rosatom in 2020, the money was paid, Siemens built it and put it in its warehouse. It was not received because there was no German government approval,” Bayraktar said.

“When there was a 1.5-year delay, the Russians gave up on Siemens and placed the order with China. Production of the equipment has begun in China. When we visited Akkuyu recently, the equipment had already started arriving and was being installed. So some of the components are still on the way. Therefore, there is no question of going back to Siemens. Therefore, that chapter is closed in a sense,” Bayraktar stated.