The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has completed a site and external events design (SEED) review of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (NPP), which is planned to be built on Turkey’s southern coast.
An assessment team visited Turkey for the five-day review to discuss matters related to the plant's design, including protection against hazards such as tsunamis, geotechnical risks, earthquakes, and aircraft crashes, as well as issues relating to the foundation and soil.
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Following a previous SEED review in 2015, this latest assessment was conducted after a request was made by the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK).
IAEA external events safety section head Shin Morita said: “The timing of this mission was important as TAEK is engaged in its regulatory review of the licensing documentation.
“The mission also provided insight into the application of IAEA’s safety standards.”
The IAEA team suggested that TAEK should update the parabolic stop-and-reversal (PSAR) of the Akkuyu plant in accordance with revisions of the hazard studies. It was also recommended that the PSAR needs to indicate the methodology for demonstrating safety margins.
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By GlobalDataTurkey is planning to build its first nuclear power reactors at the Akkuyu site, which will include four 1,200MW electric units of the Russian water-water energetic react (VVER) technology. The first unit is expected to receive its operational license in 2023.
Once completed, the Akkuyu plant will help the country meet its growing demand for electricity and support economic development.
Image: IAEA’s SEED mission team in Ankara, Turkey. Photo: courtesy of IAEA.
