Dmitry Baranov, senior expert of Finam Management

– The agreement between Rosatom and TAEK is opening a new page in the history of Russian-Turkish relations

On Aug 6 2009 Director General of Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation Sergey Kiriyenko and Acting Director of the Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (Turkiye Atom Enerjisi Kurumu, TAEK) Zafer Alper signed two inter-governmental agreements: an agreement for cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy and an agreement for early notification of nuclear accident and exchange of information on nuclear facilities. The agreements were signed in the framework of the visit of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin to Turkey.

The agreement for cooperation between Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation and Turkish Atomic Energy Authority (TAEK) in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy is opening a new page in the history of Russian-Turkish relations as it is creating a basis for further interaction in this field. Turkey trusts us and is open to cooperation, which means that we are beginning to regard each other as close friends.

This agreement is paving the way for effective cooperation in many fields: from uranium mining to NPP construction and operation, i.e. now we have a legal basis for further work. It is good that the Russian-Turkish consortium comprising Atomstroyexport, INTER RAO UES and Park Teknik has been selected the supplier of services for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Turkey and the sale of its electricity. The NPP-2006 project was approved by TAEK in Dec 2008.

Considering the agreements and the terms suggested by the consortium, we can say that Turkey has drawn a lucky ticket: NPP-2006 is one of the best project for the moment, the plant will serve for 60 years and meets all the requirements that exist at present and may exist in the coming decades. The Turkish construction sector will get the experience and capacities it will be able to apply at other facilities. The machine building industry of Turkey will get contracts that will set it at full capacity and will create new jobs. The country will acquire unique experience and new highly-qualified technical personnel. The Turkish economy will get additional 5GW at real price. But the key advantage is that after building the plant Turkey will become full member of the “nuclear club” and will strengthen its international status.

In 2007 the Turkish authorities decided to diversify the country’s energy sector and to develop nuclear energy (NPPs in Akkuyu in Antalia and in Sinop, Black Sea shore).

In Mar 2008 Turkey announced a tender for the right to build its first nuclear power plant in Akkuyu on “build-own-operate” terms. The potential supplier should ensure financing, construction and operation, while Turkey – licensing and guaranteed purchase of electric energy for 15 years till the end of 2030.

A consortium of Russian Atomstroyexport, Inter RAO UES and Turkish Park Teknik offered to build four 1,200MW reactors and to sell its energy at a fixed price for 15 years and at a market price afterwards. The 1st unit is supposed to be launched in 2016, the 2nd, 3rd and 4th units in 2017, 2018 and 2019. 

The Consortium’s NPP-2006 project was approved by TAEK Dec 19 2009.