Computer generated models prepared for Turkey’s first nuclear plant that is planned to be constructed in 2016 in the Mediterranean province of Mersin. (Photo: DHA)
Russia's Rosatom has stopped construction work at Turkey's first nuclear power plant, Turkish energy officials said on Wednesday, as relations between Moscow and Ankara continue to worsen after the downing of a Russian jet.
State-owned Rosatom has not terminated the contract for the building of the $20 billion project and is reluctant to do so because of the heavy compensation clauses, energy officials said. However, Turkey is already assessing other potential candidates for the project, the officials told Reuters.
The possible cancellation of the project is unlikely to have any impact on Turkey's immediate energy supplies, as the planned nuclear power plant was not seen coming online before 2022 and had already run into delays due to regulatory hurdles and Moscow's financial woes.
Update: Turkey says not dependent on Russia for nuclear plant (AFP)
WNU Editor: I would be surprised if Russia pulls out of this project .... it would be the final nail in the coffin for future economic projects between Russia and Turkey. But this only illustartes the problem that Turkey has .... they are dependent on countries like Russia and Iran for their energy .... Turkey is stuck in a bind over energy (Necdet Pamir, DW).
Update #2: Russian contractor denies halt to Turkish nuclear power plant project (RT)
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