The Nuclear Power Plants 6th Expo and 10th Summit NPPES 2024 was held in Istanbul with ­Rosatom as a partner of the event. Representatives of the Russian nuclear corporation spoke about multilateral cooperation with Turkey.

NPPES 2024 is a keynote event for the Turkish nuclear sector. This year, the summit was held in July to bring together over 1,600 delegates and 250 companies from 12 countries.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Anton Dedusenko, Deputy Chairman of the Board at Akkuyu Nuclear (part of ­Rosatom), noted that ­Rosatom’s current efforts were focused on the Akkuyu NPP construction project. “Meanwhile, we have gained much momentum to open up new prospects. We are closely following Turkey’s nuclear energy plans, which provide for the expansion of its installed nuclear capacity to 20 gigawatts by 2050. Large and small-­scale generation facilities, each performing different functions, would complement each other, and ­Rosatom has solutions for power generation of any scale, as well as for many other applications,” Anton Dedusenko said.

Denis Sezyomin, Director for Construction and Production Organization at Akkuyu Nuclear, spoke about the progress at the Akkuyu NPP, one of the world’s largest nuclear construction sites. He noted that most of the nuclear island equipment had been installed at Unit 1 by that time and the work was underway to assemble the fuel handling machine and electric motors for the main circulation pumps. “All the systems and components of the reactor unit are being gradually made ready for operation and checked for compliance with the design requirements and specifications,” Denis Sezyomin concluded.

Also at the forum, Russian nuclear engineers and their foreign colleagues discussed the future of low-carbon generation and the role of nuclear power in making the Turkish industry and businesses competitive.

­Rosatom’s fuel division TVEL shared its experience in nuclear decommissioning and radioactive waste management. Russian experts spoke about the possibilities of developing national infrastructure for waste management, including ultimate disposal of radioactive waste.

In addition, ­Rosatom presented its designs of small modular reactor (SMR) plants, in which the nuclear corporation has unparalleled competencies.

­Rosatom’s exhibition booth featured high-tech advanced solutions, particularly large nuclear power plants, SMRs, floating power units, and wind farms.

News from the construction site

In late June, a new simulator was delivered to the Akkuyu construction site. Designed to train electrical staff of the nuclear power plant, it was manufactured at one of ­Rosatom’s subsidiaries. Its hardware comprises real pieces of electrical equipment installed at the power unit. While replicating the station’s electrics, the simulator uses lower voltage in its power circuits to be safe for the personnel.

The new simulator is designed to train the plant’s operating staff at the professional training center opened in the autumn of 2023.

Turkish and international delegations visit the Akkuyu NPP site on a regular basis. At the end of June, deputies of the State Duma (Russian Parliament) paid a working visit to the site. The guests were told about the stages of the project implementation. Akkuyu Nuclear CEO Anastasia Zoteeva noted that the project had a massive impact on the technological, economic and social development of Turkey. Statistics show that one job at a nuclear power plant creates another 10 jobs in related sectors. “Along with the nuclear power plant, Turkey receives qualified engineering personnel, a ready-to-use roadmap for the nuclear sector development, and an incentive for increasing local production,” Anastasia Zoteeva pointed out.

Cultural and social development

­Rosatom remains a firm contributor to social, educational and cultural initiatives in the Akkuyu host region and throughout Turkey.

For example, the Russian nuclear corporation has long been supporting the Turkish Chess Federation (TSF). Its junior team took part in the European Youth Team Chess Championship, which ended in June, and won first place in the Girls U‑12 category and second place in the Open U‑12 category. “We in Turkey are very much proud of our young masters. Turkish chess and Turkish stars are talked about all over Europe and the world. We also very much appreciate ­Rosatom’s support of our players at this championship and its contribution to our European success because this is very important for us,” said TSF President Gülkiz Tulay.

“Working together, we are implementing major projects aimed at developing the intellectual potential of young people in Turkey. We are happy to be part of the triumph of the Turkish chess players and share this excitement and enthusiasm,” said Alexander Voronkov, Vice-­President and Director of ­Rosatom Middle East and North Africa.

In mid-­June, employees and managers of the under-­construction nuclear plant celebrated, as every year, the holy Islamic holiday of Eid al-­Adha. The on-site canteens offered a special festive menu on the first day of the holiday. As a sign of respect and recognition, the workers were given memorable souvenirs. “Every year we congratulate local people and our builders on the Eid al-­Adha. We recognize their contribution to the project development with deep gratitude. Akkuyu Nuclear strives to maintain traditions of friendship between different ethnic and religious communities,” said Anastasia Zoteeva, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear.