Turkey postpones the launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant: when will the station operate from Rosatom

Postponement of the launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant

According to Главком: Turkey has postponed the launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, which is being built by the Russian state corporation Rosatom. According to new plans, the nuclear power plant may start operation in 2024. The construction site is located in the Mersin province on the Mediterranean Sea, and the agreement for its construction was signed back in 2010 for $20 billion.

The launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant was initially planned for 2023, but given the new circumstances, the deadlines have been postponed. Turkey's Minister of Energy Alparslan Bayraktar noted that funding will most likely be used in 2026-2027. For 2026, Turkey expects to receive $4-5 billion in funding from foreign investors.

Active negotiations and new projects

In addition, Turkey is engaged in active negotiations with South Korea, China, Russia, and the USA regarding other nuclear projects. As part of the country's energy strategy, it also plans to implement a solar power plant project with a total capacity of 5000 MW. It is important to note that the Akkuyu nuclear power plant is essentially owned by the Russian Federation, which bears all financial, operational, and construction risks. 'Build-own-operate' contracts apply only to this nuclear power plant.

The delay in launching the Akkuyu nuclear power plant may impact Turkey's energy strategy, as the country seeks to reduce dependence on energy resource imports. The engagement of foreign investors and active negotiations concerning new nuclear projects indicate Turkey's intentions to develop its own energy sector, which could have significant economic and geopolitical consequences for the region. At the same time, cooperation with Russia in nuclear energy raises questions of security and the country's strategic independence.