The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), a cornerstone of Turkey’s energy future, continues to progress with significant advancements in its construction. Located in the Gülnar district of Mersin, the plant is set to feature four power units, all equipped with 3+ Generation VVER reactor technology. Recently, two major developments have taken place that mark a pivotal moment in the plant’s development:
Completion of Reactor Pressure Vessel Assembly for Unit 3: One of the most crucial milestones was the successful assembly of the reactor pressure vessel for Unit 3. This giant component, weighing 334 tons and measuring 11.18 meters in length and 4.5 meters in width, was transported to the construction site via sea after undergoing rigorous inspections. These inspections were conducted by an independent commission, including experts from the Turkish Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) and Türk Loydu, ensuring the reactor pressure vessel met all quality and safety standards.
The use of Open Top Technology for this assembly provides a significant advantage. It allows for easier and safer positioning of the reactor’s pressure equipment thanks to the open top of the reactor building. This design offers greater flexibility during construction and assembly, enhancing safety throughout the process.
Delivery of First Batch of Fresh Nuclear Fuel for Unit 2: Another critical development in the Akkuyu NPP’s journey is the delivery of the first batch of fresh nuclear fuel for Unit 2. This fuel, produced by TVEL, Rosatom’s fuel company, was processed at the Novosibirsk Chemical Concentrator Plant and consists of 235 fuel assemblies containing uranium enriched to 5%. These assemblies were transported to the Akkuyu site in special containers, ensuring adherence to international nuclear safety standards. Upon arrival, the fuel was placed in a dedicated storage facility and will be kept under controlled conditions until it is loaded into the reactors.
The fuel will be replaced every 18 months, marking a vital step towards ensuring the continuous operation and energy production of the plant.
The Akkuyu NPP, which is being developed by Akkuyu Nuclear Inc., a subsidiary of Russia’s Rosatom, is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Turkey. Upon completion, the plant will significantly contribute to Turkey’s energy security and its transition to low-carbon energy sources.
These recent milestones—the reactor pressure vessel assembly and fuel delivery—represent vital steps towards the commissioning of Unit 2, with plans for the plant’s overall operational capacity to be completed in stages, starting in the coming years.
With these developments, Akkuyu NPP is firmly on track to shape Turkey’s future energy landscape, making crucial strides in nuclear energy safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
