ISTANBUL
The Akkuyu nuclear power plant will hold an important position in source diversification for electricity in Turkey, said Agneta Rising, director general of the World Nuclear Association, on Thursday.
Speaking at the second Istanbul Nuclear Power Plants Summit, Rising said governments and regulators should pave the way for nuclear energy as it is a safe and low-emission source.
The Akkuyu Power Plant, constructed in Mersin, near the Mediterranean coastline, will be Turkey's first nuclear power plant, and is expected to be fully operational in 2023.
Turkey is highly dependent on imported natural gas, which accounts for nearly nearly 50 percent of country's electricity production. Nuclear energy is to be a strong alternative for Turkey in terms of diversification of sources.
The country's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, will generate 35 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. The plant will also provide nearly 14 percent of Turkey's electricity demand.
Agneta Rising also stated that the plant will reduce Turkey's dependence on gas and oil.
Countries, such as Russia, South Korea and India, continue to invest in nuclear energy, Rising said.
