The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, Turkey’s first nuclear facility managed by Rosatom, has successfully launched the backup diesel generator for its first unit. This significant milestone marks substantial progress in the plant’s development, ensuring enhanced safety as construction continues.
Rosatom’s commissioning team initiated the diesel generator’s operation under no-load conditions, preparing for a series of tests to ensure its optimal performance. The generator is one of three planned for each unit, all of which will undergo roughly 50 operational tests to validate their functionality before being fully integrated into the plant’s safety systems.
Akkuyu Nuclear’s technical director, Andrey Zhukov, emphasized the importance of these backup generators, which will ensure a constant power supply to critical safety systems if the main power sources are disrupted. The 6.3 MW generators are designed to automatically activate within 15 seconds of a power failure, ensuring the plant operates reliably under all conditions.
Each reactor unit will be equipped with three diesel generators—two for emergency backup and one for normal operations. This redundancy is in line with safety standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and ensures operational safety.
Akkuyu Nuclear, which will feature four 1,200 MW reactor units, is a key component of Turkey’s strategy to diversify its energy sources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. The project, under the Build-Own-Operate model, reflects Russia’s collaboration with Turkey to enhance nuclear energy infrastructure.
Once fully operational, Akkuyu is expected to supply up to 10% of Turkey’s electricity, significantly contributing to energy security and positioning Turkey as a growing player in the global nuclear energy market.
The successful commissioning of the diesel generator not only advances the plant’s construction but also underscores the commitment to stringent safety standards and operational reliability. The project is set to make major strides in the coming phases, including reactor testing and final preparations for power generation.
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