Ankara - Turkey's nuclear energy board on Friday gave the green light to the Russian firm Atomstroyexport to build Turkey's first nuclear power plant, the Anka news agency reported.

Thirteen companies had originally asked for bidding documents but an open auction in September only Atomstroyexport made an official bid to build the power plant in the Akkuyu district of Mersin in southern Turkey.

The bid was made in consortium with the Turkish firms Interrao and Park Teknik.

Environmental groups have criticised the project saying it is a danger to the environment, especially as Turkey is prone to earthquakes.

The government has dismissed the criticism instead declaring that Turkey must meet its energy needs. (dpa)