The Atommash plant (Rosatom’s Mechanical Engineering division) has commenced the fabrication of the control assembly for the VVER-1200 reactor vessel intended for use at the fourth power unit of the Akkuyu NPP in Türkiye. This nuclear reactor marks the 250th milestone in the Russian nuclear industry's history. In 2025, machine builders presented the jubilee reactor as a tribute to the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.
“Our products have powered hundreds of nuclear plants in Russia and around the globe, bringing warmth and illumination to millions. They have also driven the creation of nuclear icebreakers, which are paving the way for the development of the Russian North, opening up new frontiers. No less ambitious projects lie ahead. Among them are the launch of the world's first IV generation energy complex in Seversk, a collaborative effort by several of our enterprises, and the development of a line of floating nuclear power plants for the Russian energy fleet”, said Igor Kotov, head of Rosatom's Mechanical Engineering division.
“Russian nuclear industry companies are trusted suppliers in Türkiye's nuclear power plant construction. Their unwavering commitment to technology and deep expertise ensure the production of top-quality equipment. The technology has proven its worth through decades of reliable service at nuclear power plants worldwide. This achievement will be crucial for the long-term and stable operation of Akkuyu NPP power units”, Sergei Butckikh, Chief Executive Officer of AKKUYU NUCLEAR JSC noted.
“The control assembly of the nuclear nesting doll enables engineers to ensure that every component and element of the reactor is precisely positioned to a thousandth of a millimeter. This work verifies the reactor's operational readiness for at least six decades. It also streamlines installation at the NPP site. A successful test build stands as a testament to the excellence of Russian design and production standards. It underscores that these standards are unmatched globally and provide a solid foundation for long-term energy security”, Maxim Zhidkov, the head of the Atommash plant stated.
The control assembly marks the culmination of a three-year manufacturing
journey for the reactor plant. First, the reactor vessel is placed upright in a
specialized stand-caisson. The product is then assembled. A twelve-meter
internal shaft is carefully inserted into the body, like a nesting doll. At the
station, nuclear fuel, a protective fence, and a block of shielding pipes will
be loaded inside. There are more than 100 elements in total. The reactor
assembly will weigh around 600 tons in total. Once everything is ready,
specialists will employ a laser for precise metrological measurements. This
ensures all equipment is correctly positioned and will function reliably
throughout its design service life.
Atommash plant excels in crafting nuclear reactors and steam generators for substantial power plants. The company is integral to Rosatom's projects, both domestically and internationally, in constructing nuclear facilities equipped with VVER reactors. Two advanced 3+ generation reactor buildings are currently under construction. One is for the second power unit at the El Dabaa Nuclear Power Plant in Egypt, and the other is for the fourth power unit at the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Türkiye. Additionally, 17 steam generators are being produced for nuclear power plants in Russia, Türkiye, Egypt, and India.
Akkuyu NPP is under construction in Türkiye's Mersin province, based on a Russian design. Currently, it is one of two significant nuclear construction projects worldwide that are simultaneously underway at a single location, each aiming to deliver substantial generating capacity. The other prominent endeavor, the four-unit El-Dabaa nuclear power plant, is also progressing in Egypt with the involvement of Rosatom. Türkiye's inaugural nuclear power plant will feature four units equipped with Russian VVER-1200 reactors, each generating 1,200 megawatts. These state-of-the-art Generation 3+ power plants will be the cornerstone of Türkiye's energy future. The projected lifespan of the nuclear power plant is 60 years, with an option to extend it by an additional 20 years. Upon completion, the nuclear power plant is expected to produce around 35 billion kilowatt-hours annually. This volume of energy could power a major city like Istanbul. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant will supply up to 10% of Türkiye's electricity demand. The Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant adheres to the highest standards of global nuclear safety. It meets the rigorous criteria set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the International Advisory Group on Nuclear Safety, and the European Club of Operating Organizations (EUR).
In 2025, Russia's nuclear industry is celebrating its 80th anniversary. On August 20, 1945, the creation of a Special Committee on Atomic Energy was announced. In response to the United States' threat, the country developed its own nuclear capabilities. Just four years later, in 1949, it conducted a successful test of the RDS-1 bomb. The USSR was a leader in peaceful nuclear energy. Russian scientists built the world's first nuclear power plant in 1954, in Obninsk. They also created the first nuclear icebreaker, Lenin, in 1959, to assist Arctic explorers. The jubilee year is marked by three powerful themes: pride, inspiration, and dream. Nuclear scientists take pride in the achievements of the industry's pioneers. They draw inspiration from the accomplishments of earlier generations. They strive to venture into unexplored realms, challenging the boundaries of what is deemed possible. The 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry will be commemorated with a series of events. The highlights include a concert on August 20th in Nizhny Novgorod and the international forum, World Atomic Week, from September 25th to 28th in Moscow.
