Construction of Turkey’s first nuclear power plant remains on schedule, with work progressing at all four reactor units. Turkish experts emphasize that nuclear energy is a crucial strategic step toward energy independence. Beyond building a powerful and safe nuclear plant, Rosatom launches important social initiatives in the region.
Rosatom ensures full environmental transparency for the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant project. A key step in this effort is the decision to equip the plant with an automated water discharge monitoring system. This system will remotely track the purity and flow rate of water discharged into the Mediterranean after cooling turbine condensers. Monitored parameters include suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH levels, chemical oxygen demand, temperature, conductivity, and other critical indicators.
Ahead of May 19, the Commemoration of Atatürk, Youth, and Sports Day, Rosatom organized a meeting between two generations of Turkish nuclear professionals: employees from Akkuyu Nuclear JSC (a Rosatom subsidiary) and students from Silifke Vocational School, which trains technical personnel for in-demand nuclear industry roles.
The event began with the Turkish national anthem, followed by a moment of silence honoring Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The attendees then passed a Turkish flag from one to another while reciting Atatürk’s quotes. To conclude the ceremony, they arranged stones painted in the colors of the Turkish flag to spell out ‘May 19 – Akkuyu’.
In an informal part of the event, Akkuyu Nuclear experts told students about the candidate selection process for the Akkuyu NPP, career opportunities at the plant, training programs at Russian universities, and ongoing professional development for the nuclear plant staff. Akkuyu employees also shared their personal journeys into nuclear energy and experiences working at Turkey’s first nuclear construction project.
“We prioritize young talent—from recruitment and education in Russia to on-site training and career growth. We encourage innovation among young employees, participation in professional skills competitions, and other industry events. Together with driven and talented young professionals, we are not just building a power plant but shaping Turkey’s future,” said Sergey Butskikh, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC.
Students from Turkish technical universities regularly visit the Akkuyu construction site. In mid-May, trainees from the Vocational School of OSTİM Technical University (Ankara) were invited to the site. They first toured Turkey’s first training center for nuclear plant operating personnel. Their attention was caught by a full-scale control room simulator that allows future operators to practice the operation of reactors, turbines, and electrical equipment, as well as every possible scenario in the conditions closest to reality. The students also visited a hall with interactive equipment models and were further demonstrated the operation of different systems of the nuclear power plant.
“The project’s scale is astounding—the site is vast, and its every corner buzzes with activity. The information we received from the plant engineers and managers will be helpful for my thesis and then for my future career. After the visit to the site, I am considering studying in Russia and working here at Turkey’s pioneer nuclear power plant,” said Kıraç Kaya, a first-year electrical power student.
Nuclear power is vital for Turkey, a nation with a booming economy, rising demand for energy, and ambitious climate goals. This point of view was shared by Professor Dr. Üner Çolak of Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Energy Institute in an interview with Demirören News Agency. He believes that nuclear energy is one of Turkey’s strategic moves toward energy independence. “The path that began with the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant could eventually position Turkey among countries that export nuclear technology. We have tremendous potential in this field.”
Nuclear development goes beyond securing energy supplies and drives high-tech manufacturing and creates an entire industrial ecosystem, Dr. Üner Çolak said. “The expertise we are gaining will enable us to make both economic and technological leaps forward. Our goal is to transform Turkey into a developer and exporter of advanced nuclear technologies,” he explained.
Currently, more than 350 Turkish companies are involved in constructing the country’s first nuclear power plant, he added. Through the Akkuyu project, these firms are acquiring specialized skills in high-tech production. “Turkish companies receive training in crucial areas like construction, equipment installation, and supply chain management. Local production is key, and not just economically, but for technological advancement and strengthening our industrial infrastructure,” Çolak noted.
With Turkey’s 2025–2035 energy policy forecasting 3% annual growth in electricity demand, Dr. Üner Çolak stressed that “nuclear offers a safe, reliable, low-carbon solution to the problem.” Once fully operational, Akkuyu’s four units will meet 10% of the nation’s power needs—a transformative step in Turkey’s energy landscape.
Photo by: Akkuyu Nuclear
