The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) project is the largest energy project of Cooperation between Turkey and Russia. The two countries signed a cooperation agreement in 2010 and construction began in 2018.
The first of four units of the plant is scheduled to go into operation in mid-2023, the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic.
Once completed, the plant is expected to produce 35 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, which would meet about 10 percent of the country's electricity demand.
Nuclear power is an important option to meet Turkey's growing energy needs and global emissions reductions in the wake of the pandemic.
60% lifetime service
The remaining three reactors will be operational by the end of 2026, at a rate of one per year, with an eventual total installed capacity of 4,800 megawatts (MW).
Construction of the second unit began in June 2020, and Turkey approved construction permits for the third unit in November of the same year.
The plant is expected to have a life of 60 years, with the possibility of an additional 20 years, and will produce carbon-free energy around the clock.
As a baseload power plant, it will play a leading role in reducing dependence on imported energy, especially natural gas.
The huge project is expected to employ about 15,000 people during peak construction and about 4,000 during operation.
Last September, Turkey's president said his country aimed to take steps to build its second and third nuclear power plants as soon as possible.
Akkuyu is the world's first nuclear power plant project to be implemented through a build-own-operate model. Under the long-term contract, Rosatom has agreed to provide the design, construction, maintenance, operation and decommissioning services of the plant.
The company holds a 99.2% stake in the project, which is estimated to cost around $20 billion and is the largest investment in a single site in Turkey's history.
The project also saw Turkish engineers gain the training and experience needed to operate nuclear power plants through overseas education.
So far, 246 of the 317 students have completed their nuclear power education in Russia and are working in Akkuyu, while the remaining 71 students are still in training.
Akkuyu will not only produce electricity, but also contribute to green energy goals.
Akkuyu will prevent 35 million tons of carbon emissions per year and 2.1 billion tons of carbon emissions over its life cycle.
A long journey to nuclear power
Turkey's intention to build nuclear power plants on its land dates back to the 1950s and 1960s.
In 1955, Turkey became one of the first countries to sign the Civil Atomic Energy Cooperation Agreement.
After the agreement was signed, Turkey established the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority, which was set up for the country's scientific and technological development and personnel training.
The first research on building a nuclear power plant began in 1965. In 1974, the Akkuyu site in The Gulnar district of Mersin was deemed suitable for the establishment of the first factory.
It was not until 1976 that a detailed land survey was carried out there and, as a result of the observations, the site was granted a licence to build a nuclear power station.
After a long hiatus, for financial and political reasons, Turkey decided to turn to Russia's years of experience in nuclear technology.
Nuclear energy is now a realistic goal in Turkey, not a dream.