Construction began April 2018. Construction is 99 percent complete as of January 2026. On 9 June 2026, 163 dummy nuclear fuel assemblies were successfully loaded in Unit 1, a key commissioning step preceding cold and hot running tests before real fuel loading and reactor startup. In December 2025, nominal voltage from the external power grid was supplied to some of the 400 kilovolt gas-insulated switchgear systems. The aim is for Unit 1 to begin supplying Turkeys energy system during 2026. Total project cost estimated at 20 to 22 billion dollars with Russia fully financing.