Siemens delays impact Türkiye’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Project

Türkiye’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar expressed concerns over Siemens’ delay in supplying critical components for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. Bayraktar stated that the delay has caused significant disruptions to the project’s timeline.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency, Bayraktar emphasized the need for a response to this situation, highlighting the broader implications for the project.

Siemens delay affects project timeline

Bayraktar disclosed that Siemens AG‘s delay in exporting critical equipment has forced Rosatom, the company overseeing the construction of the Akkuyu NPP, to seek alternative suppliers. As a result, Rosatom has placed an order for the required parts from China. The minister pointed out that these delays have pushed the project timeline back by several months.

“There is a political decision made on a matter that has no legal basis, which has led to this situation,” Bayraktar said, noting that the issue has been raised at the highest level. He added, “If the goal is to impose sanctions on Russia, it’s important to recognize that this is also harming Türkiye and the project within Türkiye.”

Rosatom orders critical equipment from China

Bayraktar also mentioned that Siemens has been a long-term partner in Türkiye, yet this situation has raised concerns about the future of their investments in the country.

He stated, “Siemens is one of the companies we’ve worked with for many years, but this situation has brought us to a point where we need to seriously question their presence here.”

The delayed equipment, which is critical for the operation of the $24 billion Akkuyu NPP, is intended for use in the plant’s nuclear switchyard, which is essential for transmitting the energy produced by the plant into Türkiye’s energy grid.

Recently Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also commented about the Akkuyu NPP issue while speaking to journalists on the plane on his return from the U.S. capital Washington on July.

President Erdogan said, “On the other hand, we’re facing issues with Germany regarding turbines for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which are currently stuck at German customs. I raised this with Chancellor Olaf Scholz during our meeting. We need to resolve delays with our Eurofighter Typhoon request, turbine issue, and frigate equipment purchases. We’ll monitor the situation closely.”