17/10/2024
Türkiye’s nuclear energy program is advancing rapidly, aiming to diversify its energy mix and reducing its dependence on imported energy.
Türkiye’s nuclear energy projects, including the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and future initiatives like Sinop and the Thrace projects, local and international manufacturers must adhere to specific certification and approval processes. These ensure compliance with international safety standards, particularly given the sensitive nature of nuclear power infrastructure.
National regulators:
The program is regulated under two primary organisations: the Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK) and the Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK).
- Nuclear Regulatory Authority (NDK): Established in 2018, NDK oversees the regulatory aspects of Türkiye’s nuclear energy initiatives. This includes the licensing, safety protocols, and security of nuclear power plants like the Akkuyu NPP. NDK plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with international standards, working closely with partners like the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Companies seeking to supply equipment, materials, or services to Turkish nuclear projects must comply with NDK regulations, to ensure that all materials used meet safety and quality control standards, including fire safety.
- Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK): Established in 2020, TENMAK took over the research and development role of the former Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK). TENMAK focuses on the advancement of nuclear technology, managing radioactive waste, and promoting research in energy and mineral resources. TENMAK also provides input on technologies to ensure they are suitable for nuclear energy applications in line with Turkish safety and environmental standards.
AKKUYU NPP and Certification/Approval Processes for Manufacturers:
The Turkish program today is primarily focused on the development of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), the nation’s first nuclear power plant. The project, managed by Akkuyu Nükleer A.Ş. (a subsidiary of Rosatom), comprises four VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 MW.
Construction of AKKUYU NPP is on-going and Unit 1 is expected to be operational in 2025. Start-up and commissioning work on this unit has already started in 2024, following the delivery of the first batch of nuclear fuel in April 2023. The dome of the outer containment for Unit 1 is also installed, marking a key milestone in the plant’s construction in September 2024.
Based on the NDK regulations and safety guidelines, manufacturers need to demonstrate compliance with global nuclear safety standards such as ISO 19443 (quality management for nuclear suppliers) and IAEA Safety Standards as a basis. Additionally, both local and foreign manufacturers of construction products and fire protection products and systems must ensure the conformance of their products to EU standards, such as CE marking requirements, as well as the local requirements.
Fire protection systems, including the fire barriers, smoke and heat exhaust fans, fire and smoke dampers, fire doors, etc., must be tested and certified by accredited and approved test laboratories and certification bodies, whereas NDK supervises the pre-qualification of these products in compliance with national and international fire safety protocols.
Efectis Era Avrasya has been successfully testing and certifying fire safety products of local and international manufacturers aiming to supply the AKKUYU NPP project according to EU standards; such as the fire resistance testing and CE certification of the fire dampers of VEGA Limited, according to EN 1366-2 and EN 15650 and reaction to fire tests and classification of the electrical power cables of ENERGO KABEL, according to EN 50399, EN 60332-1-2, EN 61034-2, EN 60754-2 and EN 50575.
Future plans in nuclear safety
In addition to Akkuyu, Türkiye has long-term plans for additional nuclear projects in Sinop and the Thrace region, although these are still in the feasibility and planning phases, with discussions ongoing with potential international partners.
By 2050, Türkiye plans to have a nuclear capacity exceeding 20 GW, equivalent to four Akkuyu-sized projects. This expansion includes large-scale reactors and emerging small modular reactor (SMR) technologies, contributing to Türkiye’s long-term goal of carbon neutrality by 2053.
For more information, please contact turkiye@efectis.com
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sizewell_C_nuclear_power_station