In a significant development for the Turkish nuclear energy industry, the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) for Unit 3 of Turkey’s pioneering Akkuyu nuclear power plant has been successfully manufactured in Russia. This achievement marks a significant step forward in Turkey’s quest for energy independence and sustainability.
Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom, a key player in the global nuclear energy arena, noted that this milestone also signifies a record year for the country, with five RPVs supplied to date.
The RPV, a critical component of the nuclear reactor will initially be transported by special road vehicles to the factory pier. From there, it will be loaded onto a barge for a 3,000-kilometer voyage by water to the Akkuyu construction site.
Situated in the southern Mersin province, the Akkuyu plant holds a special place in Turkey’s energy landscape as the nation’s first nuclear power plant. Rosatom’s endeavor at Akkuyu involves the construction of four VVER-1200 reactors under the Build-Own-Operate model. This ambitious project commenced in 2018 and aims to provide approximately 10% of Turkey’s electricity needs once all four units are operational, a goal set for the end of 2028.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar envisions a bright future for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. He anticipates the commissioning of the first reactor by the close of 2024. Minister Bayraktar’s aspirations extend even further, as he articulates his vision for the role of nuclear energy in Turkey’s energy portfolio. By 2035, he foresees nuclear energy contributing 7.2 gigawatts to the nation’s total energy production. Looking ahead to 2050, this figure is projected to soar beyond 20 gigawatts.
Beyond the Akkuyu project, Turkey is actively engaging in discussions with China, a testament to its enthusiasm for nuclear energy expansion. These discussions revolve around the construction of the nation’s third nuclear power plant, located in the Kırklareli province in the Thrace region.
Turkey’s energy ambitions extend beyond nuclear power. The nation has set its sights on an ambitious goal of tripling its renewable energy capacity by 2053, aligning with its vision of becoming a carbon-neutral economy. Minister Bayraktar emphasizes that nuclear energy will play a pivotal role in this journey toward carbon neutrality by 2053, underscoring its significance in the nation’s sustainable energy strategy.
