Turkey Invites Bids for First Nuclear Power Plant

Turkey is inviting local and foreign companies to bid for the construction of its first nuclear power station, as it moves to increase electricity capacity and prevent expected supply shortfalls.

The 4,000MW power station will be built in Akkuyu near the port city of Mersin, the first of three plants planned to be complete by 2015.

Nuclear power should supply 20 percent of the nation's needs within two decades, Energy Minister Hilmi Guler told local reporters.

But environmentalists have criticised the plan, warning that the site is in an earthquake-prone area, writes Associated Press.

State-owned electricity company Tetas will accept offers until 24 September, according to the Turkish Government.

The government will issue a license for a second site on the Black Sea coast near Sinop early next year, according to the Turkish Atomic Energy Institute.

Turkey currently relies heavily on natural gas supplies from Iran and Russia to meet its growing energy needs.

By Ozge Ibrahim