Delays Hit Turkey's First Nuclear Power Plant Due to German Parts Withholding

The construction of Turkey's inaugural nuclear power plant faces delays as Germany's Siemens Energy withholds critical parts. Russia's Rosatom, tasked with building the plant, is exploring alternatives in China. The delay will push back the reactor's launch by several months, according to Turkey's energy minister.

Construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant has been delayed due to the withholding of critical parts by Germany's Siemens Energy. The parts are essential for the plant's construction by Russia's Rosatom, which is now seeking alternatives in China, Turkey's energy minister revealed on Wednesday.

According to Alparslan Bayraktar, Rosatom has already entered into agreements with Chinese companies to manufacture equivalent parts. However, Siemens Energy's non-delivery will still push back the launch of the first reactor by a few months. Rosatom is building the Akkuyu nuclear plant in Turkey's Mersin province under an agreement with Ankara.

Originally, Turkey aimed to launch the first reactor in 2023. Last year saw nuclear fuel loaded into the first power unit at the site. In July, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan accused Germany of stalling the export of necessary parts, leaving them stuck at customs. Erdogan discussed the issue with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz during a meeting.

(With inputs from agencies.)