Minister Alparslan Bayraktar stated on Wednesday through the state-run Anadolu Agency that the delay in Siemens’s delivery will postpone the opening of the Akkuyu power plant’s first reactor by several months. He suggested that this action might be linked to Western sanctions against Russia due to its conflict in Ukraine.
Rosatom has been developing the Akkuyu plant in Turkey’s Mersin province, based on an agreement with Ankara initiated in 2010. This $20 billion project, consisting of four reactors totaling 4,800 megawatts (MW), aims to elevate Turkey into the league of countries utilizing civil nuclear energy.
While Siemens Energy has not publicly provided the rationale for withholding parts, Bayraktar speculated that it could align with sanctions imposed on Russia. He remarked on incongruencies in Germany’s sanctions and trade policies.
A Siemens Energy spokesperson clarified: “Some parts were delivered a long time ago, but further shipments have stalled for over a year due to pending export/customs licenses. We are obligated to adhere to export regulations.”
After unsuccessful attempts by Rosatom and Turkey to expedite the equipment delivery, Rosatom’s subsidiary Akkuyu Nukleer announced it would procure the necessary components from Chinese manufacturers to meet project timelines.
Turkey, maintaining relations with both Moscow and Kyiv, opposes European and US sanctions against Russia following its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The first power unit has already been loaded with nuclear fuel. Once operational, the plant is anticipated to supply approximately 10% of Turkey’s electricity needs.
The 2010 intergovernmental agreement between Turkey and Russia specified a maximum of 49% local ownership in the plant, with the first reactor slated for commissioning in 2025. It also includes a guaranteed price power purchase agreement.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted in July the delays caused by Germany’s customs hold on Akkuyu plant components during discussions with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
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