Joint Russian-Turkish exercises are planned to be held on the territory of Turkey's first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, which is being built in the Mersin district by the Russian company "Rosatom". This was stated by Russian Minister of Emergency Situations Alexander Kurenkov in a conversation with Turkish Ambassador to Moscow Tanju Bilgic, reported the Turkish radio and television corporation TRT Haber. The conversation was on issues related to the construction of Akkuyu and bilateral cooperation in emergency situations, BTA reported.
The goal of the joint exercise, which is planned to be held next year, will be to ensure the safety of personnel at the nuclear power plant and the population in the area.
“During the exercises, Russian and Turkish experts will test models for extinguishing fires and dealing with emergency situations caused by the spread of radioactive materials,“ the Russian minister said.
In his words, “the construction of Turkey's first nuclear power plant “Akkuyu“ is nearing completion and the project will bring Turkey and Russia closer together.
Bilateral cooperation in a number of areas was discussed during the meeting, with special emphasis on the work of the Russian firefighting aviation in Turkey.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant (in Turkish Akkuyu Nükleer Güç Santrali) will be the first source of nuclear energy in Turkey. It is planned to cover about 10 percent of the country's electricity demand when completed.
Construction began in 2017. The four reactors of the power plant are planned to operate at full capacity in 2028.