Comprehensive nuclear risk and safety assessment (stress test) of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant
In 2024, the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) completed a peer review of the nuclear safety stress test of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant conducted by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Türkiye (NDK). Türkiye agreed to carry out stress tests of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in 2011, after signing a joint declaration with other countries bordering the EU.
The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will be the first nuclear power plant in Türkiye. A first ENSREG peer review mission took place from 16 to 20 May 2022 to conduct an in-depth document review. From 26 to 31 May 2024, the ENSREG peer review team visited the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant. The peer review team utilised the highest and most recent safety standards to finalise the review process. The final report was adopted by ENSREG on 28 November 2024.
ENSREG commends the open and transparent way in which the NDK and the power plant operator sought to address all of its comments and questions during the review process. Nuclear safety is a key priority for the EU, both within its borders and neighbouring countries. ENSREG welcomes Türkiye’s commitment to ensure the highest levels of protection for people, society and the environment from any harmful effects of ionising radiation.
The peer review report comprehensively covers all three aspects of the stress tests – extreme natural events, loss of safety functions, and severe accident management – and presents an overall positive assessment. It acknowledges the robust methodology applied in the stress test exercise and highlights the good practices implemented by the NDK in its regulatory role. Additionally, the report identifies opportunities for further improvements, emphasizing a commitment to the continuous enhancement of nuclear safety.
While the review team recommended additional investigations and measures to further enhance the safety of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant, it is important to note that the plant is still in the construction and commissioning phase. NDK’s ongoing review of the operating license application and other assessment activities incorporate the findings from the peer review, as well as updated information and data representing the plant under construction, along with the latest analysis submitted to demonstrate its safety.
Within twelve months of completing the necessary works for the plant's commercial operation, the NDK will integrate the recommended safety improvements into a national action plan. This plan will outline all relevant safety enhancement measures along with their implementation schedules.
ENSREG and NDK have reaffirmed their commitment to close collaboration, ensuring the timely and effective implementation of these safety measures.
Background
After the Fukushima accident in 2011, Europe has taken the lead in carrying out comprehensive risk and safety assessments (‘stress tests’) of nuclear power plants to assess how they can withstand Fukushima-type events. The final results of the EU stress tests have provided important technical insights for safety improvements for all participating countries – both within the EU and beyond. The EU stress tests are carried out on a voluntary basis and in a transparent manner in the interest of citizens and towards a stronger global safety culture. The European Commission and the European Nuclear Safety Regulators Group (ENSREG) have continually expressed their willingness to support any non-EU country or candidate country which would decide to undertake the same kind of peer reviewed assessment process. This support has also been extended to Türkiye.
In 2011, the Republic of Armenia, Republic of Belarus, Republic of Croatia, the Russian Federation, Swiss Confederation, Republic of Türkiye, Ukraine, in cooperation with the EU, confirmed their willingness to perform the stress tests on a voluntary basis, taking into account the specifications agreed by the European Commission and ENSREG on 24 May 2011.
Türkiye met its voluntary commitment to undertake a stress test of the Akkuyu NPP by preparing a national report and analysis of the safety systems and measures. The Türkiye national report was drafted in accordance with the requirements of the EU stress tests and submitted in 2012. In 2019, Türkiye submitted an update to the report. Türkiye hosted a peer review organised by ENSREG. The peer review of the Akkuyu NPP stress test was conducted in a constructive and collaborative atmosphere and fully in line with specifications for EU stress test, including on transparency.
The peer review of the Türkiye stress test was conducted by a team of thirteen experts from EU and non-EU countries with a good balance between countries operating NPPs and those that do not. The team included two representatives from the Commission and three observers. Some changes were made to the peer review team during the peer review exercise.
Since the Akkuyu NPP is a new plant and safety expectations for those are generally higher than for existing plants, experts from the peer review team) considered the highest and most recent safety standards, including those established by WENRA (Western European Nuclear Regulators Association).
Türkiye Stress Test Peer Review Report
https://www.ensreg.eu/sites/default/files/attachments/turkiye_stress_tes...
