Russia flags Western obstacles to Turkish nuclear power project

Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom said Western pressure is complicating the implementation of Türkiye’s Akkuyu nuclear power plant project, affecting both costs and construction timelines.

Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev made the remarks following an informal meeting with Türkiye’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar, according to Russian state media.

Likhachev said discussions focused on achieving key performance indicators for the project, while acknowledging external challenges.

“It is no secret that the project is under significant pressure. Resistance from foreign financial institutions, sabotage by major European equipment suppliers, direct opposition from a number of Western government structures — all of this, of course, affects cost and timing parameters. That is why the issue of risk compensation and improving the overall economic efficiency of the project becomes critically important,” he said.

Despite these challenges, Rosatom is working to accelerate construction, he added, highlighting what he described as Türkiye’s supportive stance.

“At the same time, I would like to note the constructive position of the Turkish side, which is accommodating us in many areas. Thus, our partners are already implementing a number of legislative measures aimed at supporting the national nuclear industry, including the Akkuyu NPP project,” Likhachev said.

He noted that Türkiye has introduced tax incentives for nuclear-sector companies, including reduced construction taxes and preferential VAT reimbursement schemes.

“Our partners understand the importance of implementing our project, its significance for the republic; therefore, we continue to work together to attract investors into the project, develop localisation, which will be important not only during the construction phase but also during operation, and develop schemes for selling electricity from the NPP both within Türkiye and to third countries,” he added.

The Akkuyu plant is a key element of Türkiye’s energy strategy and one of the most significant Russian-led nuclear projects abroad.

By Tamilla Hasanova