The construction of the 4.8 GW Akkuyu nuclear project site in Turkey has formally begun and concrete has been poured for the sub-base foundation of the nuclear island. A limited construction license was issued by the Turkish Atomic Energy Agency (TAEK) in October 2017, which is the first step towards obtaining a nuclear power plant construction license. As per the permit, preparatory works including construction and assembly works are being carried out at all the project components except for buildings and constructions linked to the nuclear island’s safety.
The 4,800 MW Akkuyu nuclear project will consist of four 1,200 MW VVER reactors and when fully commissioned in 2023 (initially in 2020), the facility is expected to generate enough power to meet 28% of the current power demand in Turkey.
In June 2017, Rosatom sold a 49% stake in the project to a consortium of Turkish companies, namely Jengiz Holding (Cengiz Holding A.Ş.), Kolin İnşaat Turizm Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş. and JSC "Kalyon İnşaat" (Kalyon İnşaat Sanayi ve Ticaret A.Ş.). According to the intergovernmental agreement signed in 2010, at least 51% of shares remain owned by Russian companies.