Automotive Exports August 2023

Türkiye’s Akkuyu NPP progressing to boost
economy, power supply
Construction of Türkiye’s first nuclear
power plant, the Akkuyu Nuclear Power
Plant (NPP) in southern Mersin province,
is progressing at an impressive pace. Denis
Sezemin, the production and construction
organization director of the power plant,
has confirmed that the first unit is on track
to be completed this year.
Once operational, the plant is expected
to significantly contribute to the country’s
budget, estimated at $50 billion (TL 1.296
trillion) over the lifespan of all four power
units.
The Akkuyu NPP project is important for
Türkiye as it aims to supply 10% of the
country’s electricity.
Construction efforts are focused on four
key areas, and significant progress has
been made. In Unit 1, which received
nuclear fuel in April, the final touches
are being made to ensure its completion
this year. Unit 2 has also seen notable
advancements, including the installation of
the core holder and the concreting of the
foundation plates for the reactor section
and turbine building.
In Unit 3, the foundations of the reactor
building and turbine building were
concreted. In Unit 4, excavation was carried
out for the main power unit facilities.
Currently, the project is in its most active
phase, with a total of 560 different
buildings and facilities being constructed
on-site. In addition to the main power plant
structures, the construction of the training
center is also underway, which will serve as
a crucial facility for training and certifying
nuclear power plant employees before they
commence their duties.
Regarding the fuel reaching the field in
April, Sezemin said it had been safely
stored in a dedicated fresh fuel storage
facility.
When Unit 1 is ready for loading, experts
will carefully transfer the fuel into the
reactor, he said, noting that this will initiate
the physical start-up process, which is a
critical stage in the unit’s life.
During this phase, the reactor is gradually
brought to a controllable minimum power
level, signifying a significant step forward in
the plant’s operational readiness.
The VVER-1200 reactor technology used in
Akkuyu NPP is the most sought-after, safe,
modern and proven technology, Sezemin
went on to say. Currently, six power units
with VVER-1200 reactors are in operation
in the world. The units belong to the latest
safety class “3+.” Forty percent of the cost
of NPPs consists of security systems.
About the facility’s contribution to
the Turkish economy, Sezemin said:
“During the operation of the four power
units, approximately $50 billion will be
contributed to the Turkish budget. The
cumulative impact of the project on total
gross domestic product (GDP) will exceed
this amount. During the 60-year life of the
power plant, Türkiye will receive a portion
of the revenue from electricity sales.
Fifteen years after the commissioning of
each unit, 20% of the net profit share from
the sale will be brought into the economy.”
Sezemin also said that the Akkuyu NPP
project employs more than 26,000 people.
“This is a huge number of jobs even on
a national scale, let alone the region.
When all four units are put into operation,
approximately 4,000 people will only be
employed as operating personnel. The
influx of workers and specialists into the
region means an increase in the solvent
population and, thus employmentin other
sectors. This will increase the demand
for goods and services in the region and
will ensure the development of hotel
management,” he said. Answering a
question on how active Turkish companies
are in the joint Russian-Turkish project,
Sezemin said Turkish companies supply
materials, equipment and services for the
project, carry out various construction and
assembly works, and transport equipment
around the construction site.
“Approximately 40% of the total project
work will be done by Turkish companies.
Turkish builders and designers make
significant contributions to the project.
The complex was designed due to the joint
work of Turkish and Russian engineers.
Turkish industry is also actively involved
in the project; most of the construction
materials at the construction sites are
Turkish-made,” he noted.
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