Turkey's Energy Minister said the first reactor at the Akkuyu nuclear plant is undergoing intensive testing and is expected to be connected to the grid soon. The Rosatom-led, roughly $20 billion project — agreed with Russia in 2010 — has faced delays, and the first of four reactors was initially targeted for 2025. Once operational, Akkuyu is expected to supply about 10% of Turkey's electricity. Officials say nuclear expansion aims to cut import dependence and reduce emissions; a Polatlı waste site is reported but not yet government-confirmed.
Akkuyu’s First Reactor Nears Grid Connection — Turkey Signals Nuclear Expansion
FILE PHOTO - Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) speaks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan via videoconference during which they remotely inaugurate the construction of a third nuclear reactor of the Akkuyu NPP power plant in the Turkish province of Mersin. (is associated with: «Turkish energy minister: First nuclear power plant to go online soon») -/Kremlin/dpa
Turkey's Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said the first reactor at the country's inaugural Akkuyu nuclear power plant is undergoing intensive testing and is expected to be connected to the grid soon, the state-run Anadolu news agency reported.
Bayraktar made the remarks while presenting a joint review of Turkish energy policy compiled with the International Energy Agency (IEA). President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has recently discussed expanding joint nuclear projects with Russian President Vladimir Putin, underlining Ankara's commitment to enlarge its nuclear capacity.
Project Background and Timeline
The Akkuyu facility is being built near the village of Akkuyu in Mersin province on Turkey's Mediterranean coast. The original agreement between Ankara and Moscow was signed in May 2010. Russia's state-owned nuclear corporation Rosatom is leading the roughly $20 billion project, which has experienced multiple delays. The first of four planned reactors had initially been slated to enter service as early as 2025, but the schedule has since shifted.
Capacity and Strategic Goals
When fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to supply about 10% of Turkey's electricity demand — roughly equivalent to the consumption of the entire Istanbul metropolitan area. Turkish officials say expanding nuclear generation is aimed at reducing dependence on energy imports and lowering carbon emissions from power production.
Waste Management And Uncertainties
The opposition-linked Anka news agency reported, citing Energy Ministry representatives, that a nuclear-waste storage facility is planned for Polatlı near Ankara and could be operational by 2035 at the latest. The government has not yet confirmed construction plans for that facility. Timelines remain contingent on final testing outcomes, regulatory approvals and international cooperation.
Bottom line: Akkuyu's first reactor appears close to grid connection, marking a milestone for Turkey's long-running nuclear effort — but key details on commissioning dates and waste storage remain provisional.
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