The commissioning process of the first unit of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, which is the first nuclear power plant of Turkey, has started. Speaking at the 11th Nuclear Power Plant Summit held in Istanbul, Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. Board Chairman Anton Dedusenko announced that the construction work of the plant has been completed and that the testing phase has now begun within the scope of commissioning. Dedusenko stated that this phase is critical in terms of nuclear energy production.

Akkuyu NPP is entering its final phase

It was shared that the commissioning process is progressing according to schedule. It was stated that the necessary preparations are ongoing for the connection of the first unit to the electricity transmission system by the end of the year. The establishment of the technical infrastructure at the switchyard where the connection will be made is also included in the plans. The commissioning process includes testing the reactor, checking the systems and starting energy production.

Akkuyu NPP will consist of four units when completed. Each unit will have an installed capacity of 1,200 megawatts. After the first unit starts producing energy, the other three units are expected to start operating at one-year intervals. It is anticipated that approximately 10 percent of Turkey’s total electricity needs will be met from the plant when it starts operating at full capacity.

The project also holds an important place in Turkey’s 2053 net zero carbon emission target. Dedusenko stated that the country’s carbon emissions will be reduced by 20 percent with the commissioning of Akkuyu NPP. The operating life of the nuclear power plant is planned to be 60 years, but it is technically possible to extend this period by another 20 years.

The plant project is being carried out by Rusatom Energy International, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation Rosatom. Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. operates as the company responsible for the construction and operation of the power plant.