Fatih Dönmez, Turkey’s Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, spoke in an interview with CNN Turk about the Akkuyu nuclear power plant. He indicated that electricity generation at Akkuyu is planned to begin by the end of April 2024, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy roadmap. The minister explained that on April 27 the first nuclear fuel would be delivered to the facility, after which a series of rigorous tests and commissioning procedures would be carried out to validate the plant’s systems and safety controls.
Dönmez added that there are specific prerequisites before direct electricity generation can commence. In his view, the project would enter commercial operation within roughly nine to twelve months, meaning about a year from the point at which fuel loading starts. This timeline underscores the careful progression from construction milestones to active power production and reflects the complex regulatory and safety steps involved in bringing a large nuclear project online.
Akkuyu NPP, also known as Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, is progressing as a major component of Turkey’s energy strategy. The facility sits in the Gülnar district of Mersin Province along the Mediterranean coast and represents a key element of the Russian-backed nuclear development program. The site is planned to house four reactor units using VVER-1200 design technology, a modern generation of pressurized water reactors that form part of a broader international nuclear infrastructure.
As Turkey advances with Akkuyu, questions about electricity reliability, grid integration, and long-term energy security are repeatedly raised by industry observers. Proponents stress that the plant is expected to diversify energy supply, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and contribute to the country’s capacity to meet growing demand. Critics, meanwhile, emphasize the importance of stringent safety oversight, environmental considerations, and transparent communication throughout the project lifecycle. The discussions around Akkuyu reflect a wider global debate about nuclear power, energy transition, and regional cooperation in the energy sector.
Observers note that the Akkuyu project is tightly linked to its international framework and funding arrangements, which have shaped construction timelines and regulatory reviews. The outcome of ongoing safety assessments and performance testing will influence the pace at which electricity is introduced to the national grid. The overarching aim remains steady progress toward a more resilient and diversified energy mix for Turkey, supported by international partnerships and rigorous governance practices that prioritize public and environmental safeguards.
Reports from official channels and industry briefings indicate that the Akkuyu facility is proceeding with the planned four units while adhering to high standards of design, construction quality, and operational readiness. The sequence of fuel loading, comprehensive testing, and phased energization is designed to ensure reliable power delivery once operational, with continuous monitoring to address any technical or regulatory challenges that arise along the way. The project continues to attract attention from energy policymakers, industry analysts, and regional neighbors who watch closely for updates on milestones, safety milestones, and the potential impact on regional energy markets.
In summary, the Akkuyu NPP project embodies a strategic pivot in Turkey’s energy outlook. The timeline discussed by the minister points to a near-term transition from construction milestones to practical electricity production, while the reactor design and capacity plans position the plant as a cornerstone of the country’s effort to secure stable, domestically sourced power for the foreseeable future. The ongoing development is framed by a broader conversation about how nations balance ambition, safety, environmental responsibility, and international cooperation in large-scale energy infrastructure.