The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), currently under construction in Turkey’s southern Mersin province (Gülnar district), represents a cornerstone in the country’s long-term energy strategy.
When fully operational, the plant will include four VVER-1200 pressurized water reactors, making it Turkey’s first nuclear power facility. The first unit is expected to be commissioned by the end of 2025, with all four reactors planned to be operational by 2028[^1].
Technical and Economic Dimensions
Electricity Generation Cost
Under the intergovernmental agreement between Turkey and Russia’s Rosatom, 50% of the electricityproduced in the first 15 years will be purchased by Turkey at a fixed price of 12.35 US cents/kWh[^2]. While this rate exceeds current wholesale electricity prices, the plant’s projected 60-year lifespansuggests the levelized cost will decrease significantly after the payback period.
Investment and Payback
The project is being implemented through a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model. Rosatom owns 100% of the investment, while Turkey guarantees power purchase for the first 15 years[^3]. The total investment cost exceeds $30 billion USD[^4], with an estimated payback period of 18–22 years, depending on market conditions.
Commissioning Timeline
Unit Target Commissioning Current Status
Unit 1 December 2025 Testing phase
Unit 2 Late 2026 Assembly ongoing
Unit 3 2027 Reactor body installation
Unit 4 2028 Foundation work underway[^5]
Geopolitical and Environmental Concerns
Ukraine War and Russian Dependence
Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the European Union discussed potential sanctions on Rosatom[^6]. Germany responded by closing its last three nuclear plants in 2023, citing long-term risks of energy dependence on Russia[^7][^8]. Turkey’s technological and financial reliance on Russia, particularly through Akkuyu, may pose strategic vulnerabilities in times of geopolitical strain.
Proximity to Conflict Zones
Akkuyu’s location near the eastern Mediterranean places it relatively close to conflict-prone Syria. Experts warn that regional instability could present security risks for the plant[^9].
Cooling Water and Climate Risk
The plant’s cooling system depends on seawater from the Mediterranean, raising concerns about performance and safety as sea temperatures rise due to climate change[^10]. Studies by the IPCC and Mediterranean-focused climate models point to a steady increase in average sea temperatures, potentially threatening operational efficiency.
Labor Disputes and Workforce Dynamics
Reports from Turkish media have revealed strikes and tensions between Russian and Turkish workers at the construction site[^11]. Challenges include language barriers, working conditions, and safety compliance — all of which impact operational continuity.
Foreign Ownership and Public Perception
Rosatom’s 100% ownership of the project fuels public debate around foreign sovereignty over critical infrastructure. Several Turkish civil society organizations and trade unions have voiced concerns over the lack of local ownership and oversight[^12].
Looking Ahead: İğneada and the Future of Nuclear Energy
Following Akkuyu, the İğneada region (Kırklareli) is under consideration for Turkey’s second nuclear plant. Negotiations are ongoing with China, South Korea, and Russia. However, İğneada’s designation as a UNESCO biosphere reserve could spark major environmental opposition[^13].
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Conclusion: Is Akkuyu Good or Bad?
Akkuyu NPP holds strategic potential for Turkey’s energy independence, carbon emissions reduction, and diversification. However, it also introduces serious risks and long-term dependencies.
Strengths
• High-capacity baseload generation
• Zero-carbon emissions during operation
• Reduced fossil fuel import costs
• Enhanced energy security
• Access to advanced nuclear technology and skills
Weaknesses and Risks
• 100% foreign (Rosatom) ownership
• Geopolitical dependence on Russia
• High-cost power purchase agreement
• Cooling risk due to rising sea temperatures
• Unresolved waste management and safety concerns
• Low societal legitimacy and public opposition
In conclusion, Akkuyu is neither a purely beneficial nor entirely flawed project. It is a high-risk, high-reward investment. To maximize benefits and minimize threats, Turkey must:
• Increase local content and workforce participation
• Establish independent regulatory oversight
• Reassess the electricity purchase scheme
• Ensure internationally compliant waste and safety management
• Pursue diverse partnerships in future nuclear ventures
Without these adjustments, Akkuyu may create new dependencies rather than resolve Turkey’s energy vulnerabilities.
Footnotes
[^1]: Turkish Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources, “Akkuyu NPP Timeline Report”, 2024.
[^2]: Official Gazette of the Republic of Turkey, Power Purchase Agreement for Akkuyu, 2010.
[^3]: Rosatom, “Akkuyu Project Overview”, 2024.
[^4]: Turkish Presidential Investment Office, Energy Project Reports, 2023.
[^5]: World Nuclear News, “Akkuyu Construction Update”, 2024.
[^6]: European Commission, “Sanctions on Russia: Rosatom Under Scrutiny”, 2023.
[^7]: Reuters, “Germany Shuts Last Nuclear Plants, Despite Energy Crisis”, April 2023.
[^8]: Financial Times, “Europe’s Nuclear Dilemma After Ukraine”, March 2023.
[^9]: Turkish Military Academy, “Eastern Mediterranean Security Risks”, 2022.
[^10]: IPCC, “Climate Impacts in the Mediterranean Basin”, 2023.
[^11]: Al-Monitor, “Worker Tensions at Turkey’s First Nuclear Plant”, April 2024.
[^12]: Union of Chambers of Turkish Engineers and Architects (TMMOB), “Akkuyu Nuclear Project Analysis”, 2023.
[^13]: Greenpeace International, “Nuclear Plans Threaten Turkey’s Biosphere”, 2023.
References
• Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ), “Electricity Production and Consumption Data”, 2023.
• Ministry of Energy, “Akkuyu Project Technical Presentations”, 2024.
• Rosatom, “BOO Model Structure Overview”, 2024.
• Turkish Presidency, Strategic Energy Investment Reports, 2023.
• Reuters, Deutsche Welle, Financial Times, 2023.
• European Commission, “Russia Sanctions Tracker”, 2023.
• World Nuclear Association, “Turkey’s Nuclear Program”, 2024.
• Greenpeace International, “Environmental Review of İğneada”, 2023.
• TMMOB, “Nuclear Energy and Turkey”, 2023.