Rosatom seek partners for Turkish nuke

ANKARA - Reuters

The site selected for Turkey’s 1st nuclear plant is seen in the photo. DAILY NEWS photo, Selahattin SÖNMEZ

Russian atomic energy corporation Rosatom, which was selected to build and operate Turkey’s first nuclear plant in 2010, has pre-interviews with 10 companies including Tekfen Construction and Spanish Tecnicas Reunidas, to discuss the possibilities of any cooperation in the project, according to sources. The tenders for such cooperation could commence by September following the completion of the expected environmental assessment report (ÇED) of the project, a sector source said.

“The Russian company gave detailed information in all construction and mechanical works to these companies. They appear more advantageous to involve in the project for now, although all others are welcomed,” the source said.

According to the intergovernmental agreement between Turkey and Russia on the construction of the nuclear plant in Mersin-Akkuyu, a project company was established in 2011 in the form of a joint stock company, the shares of which are initially 100 percent owned directly or indirectly by the companies authorized by the Russian side. Pursuant to the agreement the share of the Russian side shall not be less than 51 percent at any time.

“There is no reason for Turkish companies not to get most of the remaining 49 percent in the joint company,” the source said. Turkish Energy Minister Taner Yıldız noted that Turkish companies should be willing to be part of the process to extend their know-how on nuclear energy.

The Russian company has talked to many other companies. One of them is French power group EDF, according to story in the French daily Les Echos at the beginning of May.