Türkiye is in a heated dispute with Siemens, accusing the German company of deliberately delaying crucial equipment for the country’s first-ever nuclear power plant. This $24 billion project, called the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, is being built by Russia’s Rosatom energy agency.
Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has claimed that Siemens is holding up the delivery of equipment, which is causing significant delays. The plant, designed to be a major boost for Türkiye’s energy sector, is over 90% complete, but these delays could push back its opening by several months.
Bayraktar suggests that Siemens’ actions are politically motivated, even though there are no international sanctions against the company. He believes Siemens might be trying to hurt Russia, and in turn, this is negatively impacting Türkiye. Ankara has already raised this issue at the highest levels and is demanding Siemens face consequences for its actions.
As a result of this delay, Rosatom is now looking to China for alternative suppliers to keep the project moving. Initially, Türkiye had hoped to launch the Akkuyu plant on October 29 to celebrate the country’s Republic Day. However, this date is now uncertain due to the ongoing equipment issues.
The Akkuyu plant will feature four power units, each capable of generating 1,200 megawatts, and it represents a major milestone for Türkiye’s energy independence.
