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With more than 10 nuclear plants under construction, Russia accelerates global energy hegemony and defies international sanctions

Written by Bruno Teles
Published 03/01/2025 às 16:15
With more than 10 nuclear plants under construction, Russia accelerates global energy hegemony and defies international sanctions
Russia is building more than 10 nuclear power plants in strategic countries and controls a large part of the enriched uranium market. This ensures global influence while circumventing economic sanctions.

Russia controls 27% of the world's uranium conversion capacity, leads the construction of nuclear plants in strategic countries such as China and Turkey, and consolidates its energy influence while circumventing Western sanctions.

Nuclear power is shaping the future of the planet, and Russia seems to be leading the way. With more than 10 nuclear power plants under construction in several countries, the Kremlin is looking to consolidate its geopolitical influence and reconfigure the global energy market. But what does this mean for the rest of the world? Let’s take a look.

Russia's ambitious nuclear construction plan

If there's one thing Russia knows how to do, it's strategy. Currently, are in progress more than 10 nuclear power plant projects in countries such as Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran and Turkey. The state-owned company Rosatom is in charge, ensuring that each initiative is aligned with Russian interests.

This expansion is not just technological, but also a masterstroke to expand the country’s geopolitical influence. After all, whoever controls the energy controls the world, right? And Russia is determined to do so quietly, while many focus only on the ongoing conflicts.

The ace up your sleeve

The PAKS 2 plant in Hungary is one of the major nuclear projects led by Russia to expand its energy influence. With two new reactors under construction by Rosatom, it will double the country's nuclear generating capacity.
The PAKS 2 plant in Hungary is one of the major nuclear projects led by Russia to expand its energy influence. With two new reactors under construction by Rosatom, it will double the country's nuclear generating capacity.

The construction of nuclear power plants is just the tip of the iceberg. The nuclear sector offers a wide range of opportunities, from fuel supply to complementary services. It is also a strategic way to circumvent economic sanctions imposed by the West.

Projects such as the Paks 2 plant in Hungary and the reactors in Uzbekistan are clear examples of how the Kremlin uses the nuclear sector to maintain its global relevance. It is like a chessboard where each piece moved has a greater purpose.

Beyond construction, global dependence on uranium

When it comes to uranium, Russia holds the cards. In addition to building reactors, the country controls about 27% of the world's conversion capacity and 39% of the enrichment market. This means that even with sanctions, the West remains dependent on this resource.

In the United States, for example, a total ban on Russian uranium could generate losses of billions of dollars. This paradox makes clear how nuclear energy has become a powerful weapon in modern geopolitics.

Fractures in the West and the divided European Union

While some countries are trying to free themselves from Russian dependence, others are resisting. In the European Union, for example, Hungary (where Rosatom is already being built) and Slovakia are ardent supporters of cooperation with Moscow in the energy sector. Their leaders argue that cutting ties with Russia would jeopardize electricity production on their territories.

These divisions within the European bloc make it difficult to form a unified front against Russian influence. And in this scenario, Russia is taking advantage of this to strengthen its position.

Russian strategy

According to the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear generation capacity is expected to grow by 155% by 2050, reaching 950 gigawatts. In this context, Russia is positioning itself as a leader, investing in technology and expanding its global presence.

The nuclear sector, more than an energy solution, has become a silent battlefield where Russia seeks to consolidate its hegemony. And in the meantime, the world watches, caught between dependence and sanctions.

Russia's nuclear expansion is a strategy to ensure global influence and circumvent sanctions. With control over uranium and a dozen plants under construction, the Kremlin is shaping the planet's energy future.

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Bruno Teles

I talk about technology, innovation, oil and gas. I update daily about opportunities in the Brazilian market. With more than 3.000 articles published in CPG. Agenda suggestion? Send it to brunotelesredator@gmail.com

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