Lead

Rosatom, the Russian state nuclear corporation, has said it is focused on bringing the first power unit of Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear power plant online in 2026. The company says construction at the unit is complete and that commissioning work is underway, as officials highlight the project's role in Turkey's energy and climate ambitions.

Coverage Comparison

TASS, the Russian state news agency, reported on the development in multiple articles, citing statements from two company officials. On June 22, during a visit to the plant, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev announced the completion of construction at the first power unit. About a week later, on June 30, Anton Dedusenko, chairman of the board of directors of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, the project company, said the company had set 2026 as the target year for the unit's launch.

The reports from TASS consistently described the project's scope, including the four power units equipped with Russian-designed Generation III+ VVER reactors, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, and the Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. The June 30 article also focused on Dedusenko's statements about the plant's role in Turkey's climate goals, and Rosatom's planned presence at the upcoming COP31 climate conference in Turkey.

Key Claims

  • Construction completion and testing: Likhachev said construction work at the first unit was completed, and cold hydrostatic testing of the reactor had begun, with completion expected within a few weeks. Dedusenko stated that dummy fuel assemblies had been loaded and the reactor had been assembled.
  • 2026 launch target: Dedusenko announced that the company has focused efforts on making 2026 the commissioning year for Unit 1, which would be the plant's first power unit.
  • Unit 2 permission: Dedusenko also said that permission had been obtained to begin commissioning work at Unit 2, which he presented as evidence of continued progress across the entire site.
  • Project specifics: Akkuyu is the first nuclear power plant in Turkey and the first nuclear industry project to be implemented under the Build-Own-Operate model, according to TASS reports.
  • International collaboration: Dedusenko noted that the project brings together specialists from more than 10 countries, including EU member states, in equipment supply and services.
  • Climate and COP31: Dedusenko said the electricity generated by the plant would make a significant contribution to Turkey's goal of carbon neutrality by 2053. He also noted that Turkey will host COP31 in Antalya in November, and Rosatom plans to hold events there to discuss nuclear energy's role in reducing carbon emissions.

Perspectives

Rosatom and Akkuyu Nuclear Officials

Officials from Rosatom and the project company Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, as cited in TASS reports, emphasized the successful completion of construction and the progress of commissioning, positioning the plant as a reliable and clean energy source. They framed the project's contributions to Turkey's climate goals and economic benefits, and highlighted their intention to present nuclear technology at COP31 as a practical solution for climate challenges.