The instrumentation and control (I&C) system for Unit 1 has been delivered to the construction site of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The project to build Türkiye’s first nuclear generating station was in the focus of attention at the Eurasian Economic Forum in Istanbul, with discussions centered on building a reliable energy system for the future. Besides, the Akkuyu NPP host region welcomed an international fishing tournament organized by Rosatom, and the final stage of the international Sails of the Spirit initiative.
If the reactor is the heart of a nuclear power plant, then the I&C system is its brain. The I&C system is designed to monitor and control all key parameters of the reactor unit and the plant’s operating processes.
In late October, 42,000 items of the I&C equipment for the first power unit were delivered to the Akkuyu site, with the total weight reaching 555 metric tonnes. The shipment included control cabinets, controllers, computing modules, and auxiliary components.
“Operating processes at a nuclear power plant require the coordination of dozens of primary and auxiliary systems and devices. This is possible due to a high degree of automation, which allows a small number of operating personnel to manage the entire plant effectively. I&C systems for nuclear stations are a fully integrated hardware and software solution that automates the key operations within the nuclear and electricity generating equipment of a reactor unit. The latest power units with VVER-1200 reactors are equipped with state-of-the-art I&C components,” says Sergey Butskikh, CEO of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC.
Installation and commissioning of the I&C system will be a key stage in preparing Unit 1 for operation. By now, most of the control and safety systems have already been installed on Akkuyu Unit 1, enabling the transition to the facility’s cold and hot testing phase.
The Akkuyu NPP was among the topics discussed at the Eurasian Economic Forum held in Istanbul in late October. Rosatom was one of the partners of the event.
Speaking at the forum, Kirill Komarov, First Deputy Director General for Corporate Development and International Business at Rosatom, described Türkiye’s first nuclear power plant as an example of how the projects run by the Russian nuclear corporation in its partner countries create reliable, carbon-free energy sources and also directly contribute to economic growth. “The Akkuyu NPP will meet about 10% of Türkiye’s electricity needs and make a significant contribution to the country’s economic development. By deploying advanced technologies and ensuring a stable energy supply, this plant can become a key driver of rapid industrial growth, an improved investment climate, and thousands of new jobs,” Kirill Komarov said. He stressed that tripling global nuclear power production by 2050 was a vital step for achieving sustainable development goals.
A photo exhibition presented by Rosatom at the forum showcased the Akkuyu NPP construction in progress and the development of infrastructure in the host region.
In late October, the third international fishing tournament was organized by Rosatom in the Mersin Province, in close proximity to the Akkuyu NPP construction site. The tournament featured 14 amateur anglers from seven of Rosatom’s partner countries, which are either working on or planning nuclear energy projects, along with journalists and experts.
“We hold annual competitions for Turkish anglers at the regional level, and this year we were happy to welcome international contestants at the site. Holding the tournament on a regular basis shows that nuclear power plants are built to meet high environmental standards and do not impact the natural environment,” said Sergey Butskikh.
A team from Hungary won the tournament. When weighing the catch, radiation control experts from Akkuyu Nuclear JSC checked the caught fish for radiation using specialized equipment and confirmed it was totally safe.
Professor Ahmet Demirak from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, a member of the tournament jury, noted: “I consider it extremely important that Rosatom is organizing an international event here as it makes a great contribution to promoting Türkiye and the Akkuyu NPP. Such events involving local residents help dispel misconceptions about nuclear energy.”
Türkiye was the final destination for the international Sails of the Spirit initiative supported by Rosatom. The initiative aims to build an international extrability business community that recognizes the value of the additional abilities a person develops by adapting to limitations through effective socialization. This year, the Sails of the Spirit expeditions were held in Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and five cities in Russia.
The Turkish expedition started in Trabzon. On October 15-16, the city hosted the Extrability Days, bringing together representatives of public organizations, civil officers, teachers, students, and activists. Among them were members of the Society for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Autism Association, the Down Syndrome Children’s Parents Community, the Barriers-Free organization, and the Association for Families of War Victims.
From Trabzon, the expedition members set sail for Antalya and then on to Mersin. This year, the crews united representatives from nine countries: doctors, musicians, historians, psychologists, captains, and students. Two inclusive regattas were organized, with novices managed yachts under the guidance of experienced captains—this was an important part of the learning process and building trust among the crew.
On October 26-28, the mission program offered inclusive tours of Tarsus, visits to social institutions, and meetings with students. Six master classes on extrability were held simultaneously at the Tarsus campus of Mersin University. A meeting aboard a yacht with representatives of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC was particularly significant. Ivan Blinov from the Akkuyu NPP Youth Council welcomed the mission members and discussed the possible involvement of the Akkuyu NPP youth movement in subsequent Sails of the Spirit events.
Photo by: Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, White Cane ANO
