Construction of Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant remains troubled, workers demand safety

Photo: Rosatom

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The Akkuyu Nuclear Powerplant, currently in construction by Russia in the southern Mersin province, gained attention again after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

On May 12, 2010, Türkiye signed a cooperation with Russia to build its first Nuclear power plant. The Akkuyu Nuclear Powerplant, with a total installed capacity of 4800 MW, is expected to produce around 10 percent of Türkiye's electricity and is the largest joint project carried out with Russia and Türkiye, and will cost approximately 20 Billion Dollars.

However, subcontractor problems, occupational safety issues, and unpaid workers keep plaguing the construction process.

Subcontractor issues

On July 26, Rosatom, Russia's state-run nuclear energy corporation, which is constructing the plant, terminated the contract for engineering, procurement, and construction with the T2IC company. T2IC was formed by Russia-based Titan 2 and the Türkiye-based IC İçtaş.

Rosatom cited the company's failure to ensure occupational safety for the termination. IC İçtaş, on the other hand, claimed the purpose of the decision was to remove Türkiye-based companies from the management of the project.

On August 24, around 500 workers of the Aydıner Construction company, a contractor for the project, went on strike, stating that they receive lower wage increases than the other contractors. After the termination of IC İçtaşs contract Akkuyu Nuclear Inc. declared that they will increase the salaries of the T2IC workers by 35 percent.

Bianet spoke to some of the workers, who want to remain anonymous, about their conditions in the power plant.

"At least 10 more years are needed"

One of the workers explained that the number of workers in the construction of the power plant was over 25,000. However, this number fell to half after İçtaş withdrew from the project. Currently, the number of workers is 10-15 thousand.

The worker stated that their salary is being paid now but not comparable to the risk they take. The general wage is between 9,000 and 10,000 lira. Furthermore, he says that they eat and sleep in a sort of camp. Another worker mentioned that with the war, the balance shifted to Russians, and with İçtaş's withdrawal from the project, things came to a standstill."

Another worker indicated that the expected completion date of 2023, the 100th anniversary of the Republic, will be impossible and that at least 10 more years are necessary to finish it. When asked about job security, the main problem they indicated is that there are no precautions. "No one's life is worth anything in this country, though."

Another worker referred to the possible damage it can do in the region. "It is not a small thing to bring a nuclear power plant to the country. Yes. But one has to be blind not to see the damage it will cause to the region. These are due to mismanagement."

Environmental impact and other concerns

Already in 2018, Environmental rights defenders and NGOs filed a lawsuit for the cancellation of the Nuclear Power Plant, both due to possible environmental damages and the geopolitical risks nuclear technology might pose in the case of hot conflicts, as the project is under the control of Russia.

One of the workers mentions that the seawater of Mersin and the Mediterranean will gradually warm up when the power plant is operational. The powerplant houses a large pumping station that will move large quantities of seawater through the plant to cool the plant.

Despite these issues, President Erdogan and Russian President Putin remain confident about the Akkuyu power plant. In a recent meeting, Russia's President Vladimir Putin said that Unit 1 of the plant will be launched on time. Furthermore, talks are underway with Rosatom to build another powerplant in Sinop, at the black sea. These two plans are supposed to produce a fifth of Türkiye's electricity needs. (TY/WM/VK)