Akkuyu

Akkuyu is a town in Mersin Province, Turkey, located on the eastern Mediterranean coast. It is best known internationally for hosting the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project, Turkey’s first nuclear energy facility. The plant site lies near the coast within Mersin Province and has been developed specifically to house a large-scale nuclear project.

The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant is being developed by Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, a subsidiary of Rosatom, the Russian state atomic energy corporation. The project plans four reactor units using VVER-1200 pressurized water reactor technology, with a total electrical output of about 4,800 MW. The design emphasizes multiple containment barriers, seismic safety, and defense-in-depth safety features. The site was selected for its proximity to demand centers and its suitability for high-capacity energy production.

Construction of the plant began in 2018, with ongoing works including civil construction, equipment installation, and safety systems development. The project is subject to Turkish regulatory oversight and international safety standards, and it has been accompanied by environmental impact assessments and public consultations.

Economically, the Akkuyu project is expected to contribute to Turkey’s energy security, diversify its energy mix, and create jobs in the region. It is also a focal point in international discussions about nuclear safety, non-proliferation, and regional energy cooperation. As of 2024, construction was ongoing, with the first unit anticipated to come online in the mid-2020s, depending on regulatory milestones and project scheduling.