Turkey’s energy watchdog issues pre-license for nuclear plant

ANKARA-Anadolu Agency

DHA Photo

Turkey’s Energy Market Regulatory Authority (EPDK) announced June 25 that it granted a pre-license to Akkuyu Nuclear Joint Stock Company for 36 months for Turkey’s first nuclear power plant.

Akkuyu Nuclear will build the Akkuyu nuclear power plant (Akkuyu NPP) in Turkey’s southern province of Mersin. According to plans, it will become fully operational in 2023.

The company will complete its preparation process before the EPDK considers issuing a production license.

During the preparation process, the company is required to obtain official construction and environmental impact permits.

“If the Akkuyu Nuclear Joint Stock Company fulfills its obligation, it will get the production license,” Mustafa Yılmaz, EPDK’s head, said in a press release.

The construction of the Akkuyu NPP will begin in 2016. Russia’s state-owned nuclear company, Rosatom, will have operating rights on the $22 billion plant, which will have a life cycle of 60 years.