The Government of Turkey and a consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Itochu and GDF Suez, have reached a broad framework of commercial agreement for the proposed 4,400MWe Sinop nuclear power plant (NPP) project being built in the country.
According to the host government agreement, the parties will outline the scope of cooperation for project implementation and a feasibility study framework, while a formal agreement with specific terms and conditions is likely to be concluded following approval from the Grand National Assembly of Turkey.
The consortium will outline specific project terms after completing the feasibility study and will carry out negotiations relating to the project’s financing framework, power sales contracts and others.
To be located in the Sinop area of the Black Sea coast, the proposed project will feature four Atmea1 pressurised water reactor units, which will be manufactured by Atmea, a joint venture between Areva and MHI. The developers expect to begin construction in 2017 and commission in 2023.
Bringing together technology already incorporated into Areva’s EPR and MHI’s APWR, Atmea1 mid-sized Generation III+ reactor has an electrical output of 1,100-1,150MWe (net) and thermal output of 3,150MWt, Atmea1 claims.
According to the joint venture, the new reactor, with an operation cycle length of 12 to 24 months and a design plant life of 60 years, also features proven digital instrumentation and control and enables optimised balance between active and passive safety systems.
MHI had acquired preferential negotiating rights for its involvement in the plant in May 2013. Additionally, the Turkish power company EUAS has expressed its interest to acquire a 25% stake in the proposed plant.
Image: Sinop nuclear plant in Turkey will feature Atmea1 reactor. Photo: courtesy of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
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