Rosatom has completed hydraulic tests for the primary circuit of the first reactor unit at the Akkuyu NPP in Turkey. Specialists confirmed the integrity and tightness of the equipment, meeting all project requirements for strength and quality of installation, welding, and commissioning.
During the procedure, pressure in the primary circuit reached 24.5 MPa, which is approximately 1.5 times higher than the standard operating pressure of 16 MPa for the VVER-1200 reactor. The water temperature during the initial phase was 135 degrees Celsius.
The primary circuit consists of the reactor, main circulation pumps, steam generators, a pressure compensator, and connecting pipelines. During normal operation, demineralized water circulates through this system at temperatures up to 330 degrees Celsius to transfer heat from the reactor core.
The Akkuyu NPP is the first nuclear power plant in Turkey, featuring four VVER-1200 generation 3+ reactor units. Each unit has a capacity of 1200 MW, bringing the total installed capacity to 4800 MW. The project follows the Build-Own-Operate model.
Following these successful tests, the first power unit will undergo further pre-launch inspections. These procedures are necessary steps in preparation for the physical and subsequent energy startup of the facility.
