Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant Launch in 2026: Cyprus Assesses Risks and Strengthens Preparedness Measures

Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, Akkuyu, under construction in Mersin Province, is scheduled to start operations in 2026. In this context, the relevant ministries of the Republic of Cyprus provided the parliamentary Committee on Environment with information on the conducted risk assessment and the readiness level of state services for potential emergencies.

Chair of the parliamentary Committee on Environment, Charalambos Theopemptou, expressed concern over possible radioactive leaks and staffing issues at the plant. According to him, a facility of this level requires highly qualified specialists and strict adherence to international safety standards.

At the same time, the Cyprus Geological Survey Department reported that the Mersin area is considered one of the most seismically stable regions in the Eastern Mediterranean and is located away from major active faults. According to the department, even recent destructive earthquakes in Turkey have not affected the stability of the plant under construction. It is also noted that the tsunami risk in this area is considered low.

In parallel, Cypriot authorities have strengthened the radiation monitoring system. Monitoring is conducted not only in the air but also in the marine environment. Two permanent marine stations have been installed, and a third is in the planning stage. In addition, continuous monitoring of air, seawater, reservoir water, and food products is carried out.

Since 2015, the Republic of Cyprus has operated a special response plan for radiological and nuclear incidents, "ELEKTRA." Within its framework, exercises are regularly conducted, both field and theoretical. Among the practiced scenarios is a possible accident at the Akkuyu plant.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cyprus stated that the issue of the plant’s construction is regularly raised at the level of the European Union and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The Cypriot side insists on strict compliance with international safety standards and transparency in the plant’s operation.

Authorities emphasize that the state mechanism is ready for various scenarios; however, nuclear safety continues to be a topic of public discussion amid plans for the development of nuclear energy in the region.