Dummy Fuel Assemblies Loading Operation Completed at Akkuyu NPP Unit 1

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Akkuyu Nuclear, PUBLISHED 09.06.2026

Dummy fuel assemblies loading operation into the reactor vessel of Unit 1 of Akkuyu NPP (under construction by Rosatom State Corporation) has been completed.

During the operation, 163 fuel dummies, which are exact replicas of nuclear fuel in design, weight and dimensions, but not containing nuclear materials, were sequentially loaded into the reactor. Dummy fuel assemblies for Akkuyu NPP Unit 1, as well as the nuclear fuel, were manufactured at a Rosatom Fuel Division facility.

Fuel dummies loading is one of the final stages of preparation for the cold–hot running-in of the reactor plant equipment, preceding the reactor start-up. Carrying out such an operation using dummy assemblies allows to confirm readiness for subsequent commissioning operations, during which specialists will check the hydraulic characteristics of the reactor plant, as well as work out transport and technological operations using the fuel-handling machine.

Akkuyu Nuclear JSC CEO Sergei Butckikh:

"The completion of loading of dummy fuel assemblies at Akkuyu NPP Unit 1 is a full rehearsal for loading nuclear fuel. Using the dummies, we work out procedures for handling nuclear fuel in conditions as close to operational as possible, and confirm the readiness of equipment and personnel for the next pre-launch stage."

Upon loading of fuel dummies, the specialists will begin assembling the reactor and preparing for the next key stage of Unit commissioning – the cold-hot running-in of the reactor plant.

The fuel dummies loading operation was carried out under the supervision of the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Turkiye (NDK) in strict accordance with relevant safety requirements.

Topics: Commissioning, Asia, Turkey, NPP Akkuyu

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