Russian Advanced Fire Protection System Installed at Turkey’s Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant
West-Engineering has completed the installation of a fire protection monitoring and control system for Unit 1 of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Turkey, marking the company’s first full-scale system delivery to a foreign nuclear facility.
Previously, West-Engineering had supplied individual control cabinets and automation modules for Rosatom’s international projects, including the Kudankulam NPP in India, Rooppur NPP in Bangladesh, and Akkuyu NPP in Turkey.
From Components to Integrated System
A key feature of the new system is its ability to independently perform all fire protection functions at the unit level. It automatically detects fire, pinpoints its location, controls suppression and containment systems, and alerts personnel in real time.
The system will be integrated into the plant’s overall control architecture to operate within a unified safety framework alongside other subsystems. It will process signals from tens of thousands of sensors and actuators, ensuring an immediate response to any deviation from normal operating conditions.
Safety as a Priority
Fire protection systems at nuclear power plants are classified as safety class 3 systems – critical for preventing accident scenarios. The Russian solution has obtained all required safety certifications, confirming its readiness to compete with Western counterparts in international markets.
Operational stability and reliability under extreme conditions are particularly important. Turkey is located in a seismically active region, while the Mediterranean coast is characterized by high humidity. The system has been designed with these factors in mind and is engineered to maintain continuous operation even during seismic events.
The First BOO Model Project
Construction of the Akkuyu Nuclear Power Plant in Mersin Province began in 2018. It is the world’s first nuclear project implemented under the BOO (build-own-operate) model. The Russian side is not only constructing the plant but will also own and operate it for 60 years, supplying electricity to Turkish consumers. The first unit is scheduled for launch this year, and the site will ultimately host four VVER-1200 reactors with a total capacity of 4,800 MW.
Akkuyu will become Turkey’s first nuclear power plant, supplying electricity to more than 10 regions of the country. Its construction represents a flagship export project for Rosatom, demonstrating a shift from hardware supply to comprehensive technological partnership.
Exporting Engineering Competencies
The delivery of fire protection systems by West-Engineering reflects a broader trend: Russian nuclear industry companies are entering global markets with full-cycle solutions. The export ecosystem increasingly includes enterprises specializing in automation, electrical engineering, and safety systems.
This creates a sustainable export potential for Russian technology companies. Successful deployment at Akkuyu opens opportunities for participation in other Rosatom international projects – in Egypt, Bangladesh, and Hungary. Companies gain long-term presence, as under the BOO model they will maintain and upgrade their systems for decades.
Technological Sovereignty in the Nuclear Sector
Russia’s technological sovereignty in nuclear energy is built not only on reactors and fuel but also on auxiliary systems essential for safe plant operation: fire protection, automation, and control systems. Together, they form the “digital nervous system” of a modern nuclear power plant.
West-Engineering demonstrates that Russian developers are capable of delivering complex engineering solutions that meet global safety standards. Turkey gains a reliable source of affordable electricity, while Russia strengthens its position as an international supplier not only of energy solutions but also of digital technologies for the nuclear sector.
Russia’s nuclear export offering includes a full technological package, from design and equipment to automation, safety, and long-term operation. The fire protection system deployed by West-Engineering at Akkuyu is another component of this ecosystem, enhancing the attractiveness of Russian nuclear projects for dozens of countries worldwide.
