Four main circulation pumps were installed at Akkuyu NPP Unit 2 in April 2025, lowered by crane through the open top of the containment building and completing the unit's main reactor equipment assembly.
Four main circulation pumps, which will circulate coolant in the primary circuit of the reactor, were installed at Unit 2 of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in April 2025. According to a World Nuclear News report dated 22 April 2025, the pump units were lowered by crane through the open top of the cylindrical reactor containment building and placed into position. Source
The four main circulation pump units will provide coolant circulation in the primary circuit of the reactor core at a pressure of about 160 atmospheres and a temperature of 300 degrees Celsius.
Main reactor equipment assembly completed
With the pumps in place, the assembly of the main equipment of the Unit 2 reactor plant was completed. The reactor vessel, the steam generators and the hydraulic tanks of the safety system had been installed earlier as part of this scope. Sergey Butskikh, General Director of Akkuyu Nuclear JSC, announced the milestone with the words: "By installing the main circulation pumps, we have completed the installation of the main equipment of the reactor unit." Source
Key facts of the installation:
- Equipment installed: 4 main circulation pump units
- Operating conditions: about 160 atmospheres of pressure, 300 degrees Celsius
- Installation method: lowered by crane through the open top of the containment building
- Stage completed: main reactor plant equipment assembly (including the reactor vessel, steam generators and safety system hydraulic tanks)
Around 10 percent of Türkiye's electricity needs
According to World Nuclear News, once all four VVER-1200 units are completed, the plant is expected to meet approximately 10 percent of Türkiye's electricity needs.
This article is based on the World Nuclear News report of 22 April 2025, the Nuclear Engineering International report of 24 April 2025 and the Rosatom Newsletter bulletin of 28 April 2025. Source