Atommash, part of the Volgodonsk branch of Russia's AEM Technology, has completed hydraulic tests on the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) of the Akkuyu nuclear power plant under construction in Mersin province, in southern Turkey.

A watertight chamber, or caisson, was used for the hydraulic tests, during which a maximum pressure of 24.5 MPa was generated in the RPV 1.4 times higher than the operating pressure.

Rovshan Abbasov, director of the Volgodonsk branch of AEM Technology, said preparatory work for the tests had been carried out under "difficult quarantine conditions", but Atommash specialists had "ensured accurate and high-quality execution of all the necessary operations". The hydraulic tests have confirmed the strength of the base metal and welded joints of the 334-tonne RPV and its readiness to operate for 60 years, he added.

The 4800 MWe plant will comprise four VVER1200 reactors and is expected to meet about 10% of Turkey's electricity needs. Turkey aims to bring unit 1 online in 2023, the centenary of its foundation as a republic.