Akkuyu Nuclear JSC Chairman Anton Dedusenko said 2026 will be the commissioning year for the first unit of Turkey’s Akkuyu nuclear power plant, while construction and installation work continue on the other three units.
Dedusenko said the gas‑insulated switchgear system, a key component needed to feed electricity into Turkey’s transmission grid, had not been delivered by Siemens despite earlier commitments. He said Rosatom secured an alternative supply through cooperation with Chinese partners and Turkey’s Energy and Natural Resources Ministry.
He said the section of the switchgear needed for the first unit has been installed and tested. “We energized the equipment from the Turkish grid and all automation systems worked properly,” he said.
Dedusenko said the project is one of the largest direct investments in Turkey and has contributed to economic growth in Mersin and surrounding areas. He estimated the impact from localization and tax revenues at about $11 billion. Around 2,000 Turkish companies have taken part in the project, with 350 currently under contract. Nearly all materials used in the project are produced in Turkey, he said.
He said 300 Turkish students have completed training at three Moscow universities, with Kazan University recently added to the program. Another 300 students will join, and many are expected to train future engineers in Turkey.
Dedusenko said work continued across all four units throughout 2025 despite financial and logistical challenges. He said a significant amount of funding remains frozen in another country but added that cooperation between Russian and Turkish authorities allowed the project to stay on track.
He said the focus is now on the first commissioning complex, which will serve the remaining units once operational. The main structures and key equipment for the first unit have been installed, and work on the second, third and fourth units is ongoing. Testing has been completed on several systems, including diesel generators required for safe operation.
“We have prepared all the main equipment for the plant to be ready next year,” Dedusenko said.