Russia's nuclear plans match profit with politics

Significance

The Bangladesh nuclear power plant (NPP) is part of Russian state nuclear agency Rosatom's ambitious international expansion strategy, which includes newcomers to the civil nuclear market. Access to state funding allows Rosatom to offer large long-term loans to foreign customers who would otherwise be unable to afford NPPs.

Impacts

• Asia is Rosatom's primary target, reflecting the region's rapid growth in electricity demand and the Kremlin's 'pivot to the East'.
• A court ruling in South Africa may prove fatal for Rosatom's plans in the country.
• Rosatom will be keen to bid for a Saudi project to build around 17 reactors by 2032, with tenders possible in 2018.
• Ongoing NPP construction in Belarus and a new deal with Uzbekistan show Rosatom still has opportunities in former Soviet states.