DHAKA: Environmental impact assessment (EIA) report of proposed Akkuyu Nuclear power plant in Turkey gets approval from the Turkish Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation, removing one of  the biggest impediments in starting construction of the country’s first ever nuclear power plant.

Under an inter-governmental agreement signed in 2010 between Russia and Turkey, a subsidiary of Russia’s state nuclear corporation- ROSATOM will build the Akkuyu Nuclear power plant in the Mersin province using latest VVER 1200 technology. The plant will consist of 4 units, each with 1,200 MW capacity and the first unit is expected to be commissioned in 2019.

The EIA Report is a huge document, consisting of more than 5,000 pages. It studies the suitability of the project site and contains information and analysis about impact of the nuclear power plant on the environment, including agriculture, tourism, infrastructure, fishery and many other spheres. The report was prepared on the basis of information provided by independent subcontractors with the engagement of highly qualified specialists in the field of Ecology, designing, licensing of NPP construction in Europe and Asia. Turkish organizations and higher educational institutions also took part in the process.

For being the First Nuclear power plant in the country, Akkuyu NPP is under close supervision and attention from the government agencies, public organizations, political parties and Turkish citizens.

Rosatom presently conducting the preliminary survey at the proposed Rooppur nuclear power plant site in Bangladesh and the EIA report will be submitted to the Bangladesh Govt. in near future. The Rooppur nuclear power plant will have two units, each with 1,000mw capacity and the first unit is expected to be commissioned in 2020.

BDST: 0920 HRS, DEC 4, 2014