The Economic and Environmental Importance of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey

Abstract

Turkey's energy consumption grown because Turkish economic volume, industrialization, and population have increased. The way to meet this energy need is to have a sustainable energy resource. Turkey does not have the enough reserves of fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas. Therefore, it is an energy importer country. So, the current account deficit is one of the main problems of the Turkish economy. When it is considered that increase in the importation of fossil fuel costs and these fuels' damages to the environment, Turkey has the need for environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. In this context, Turkey plans to meet energy needs with nuclear power plants (NPP). The first NPP will come into operation at Akkuyu location in Mersin with a total installed power of approximately 10,000 MW. Turkey aims to reduce the current account deficit by reducing energy imports. In addition, environmental protection will be ensured as much as provided economic growth. In this study, the importance of Akkuyu NPP for Turkey and relevant literature are investigated.