The first power unit of the Akkuyu NPP, which Russia is building in Turkey, is entering the final stretch before launch. Rosatom head Alexey Likhachev announced that the loading of nuclear fuel and the physical start-up of the reactor are scheduled for autumn 2026.
Before this, specialists will carry out one of the most important preparation stages – the so-called "hot run". It is expected to begin in July. During the tests, the reactor plant equipment will be checked under operating temperature conditions to confirm the reliability of all systems before fuel loading.
If the tests are successful, fuel loading and power unit start-up will begin in autumn, Likhachev said.
Akkuyu NPP will be Turkey's first nuclear power plant. It is being built according to a Russian design with VVER-1200 Generation III+ reactors, each with a capacity of 1200 MW. In total, the plant will have four power units.
The project is considered unique for the global nuclear industry: it is implemented under the "build – own – operate" model, where the Russian side not only builds the plant but also remains its operator.