The core catcher for unit 1 of Turkey's Akkuyu nuclear plant has been delivered to the construction site.  

It is the first major component to arrive for Akkuyu 1, a Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactor which started construction in April 2018.

"The core catcher is designed for third-generation nuclear power plants, including the Akkuyu NPP, to increase the level of nuclear safety," said Fatih Dönmez, Turkey's Minister of Energy and Natural Resources.

The core catcher's role is to ensure containment integrity and prevent radioactive materials from entering the environment in the case of severe accidents.

The 150-ton core catcher for Akkuyu 1 was manufactured by Russia's JSC Tyazhmash and is expected to be installed by the end of the year, Akkuyu Nuclear said.

It added that construction works for Akkuyu 1, are being performed "according to the plan."

The Akkuyu NPP is being developed by Akkuyu Nuclear, a subsidiary of Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom under a build-own-operate agreement. The station will comprise four Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors. The goal is to complete the first reactor in 2023.

Photo: Core catcher arrives at Akkuyu in July (Credit: Akkuyu Nuclear)