Turkey is moving toward its 2053 carbon neutrality goal with the launch of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant, its first nuclear facility. Built by Rosatom, the plant has four VVER III+ reactors each rated at 1200 MW. The first unit is expected to start commercial operation in 2026. The project uses a Build-Own-Operate model, a first in the global nuclear industry. Rosatom officials say the plant will provide stable low-carbon electricity and support Turkey's climate agenda as it prepares to host COP31 in Antalya later this year. The company plans to hold events at the conference to discuss how nuclear energy can reduce carbon footprints without compromising energy security or economic growth. The article does not specify how much carbon the plant will actually avoid or how it compares to other low-carbon sources in Turkey's grid mix.
