The Turkish authorities plan to put Akkuyu NPP into operation by 2023, which is being built in Mersin province on the design of Russia, announced the Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan, reports RIA Novosti.

"We also continue building the NNP in Sinop based on Japan’s design. Preparation of the construction of the third nuclear power plant has started," said Erdogan in Ankara during an opening ceremony. He noted that Turkey intends to withdraw from coal imports and start using its own resources.

Turkey plans to be in the top three in the European energy market, Erdogan said. According to the Turkish president, coal and fuel, the usage of which is criticized by the environmental protectors, in fact, are actively used in the West in the energy sector. "When Turkey starts discussing the construction of coal thermal power plants, some forces try to resist.”