Russia Plans To Seize Lead In Nuclear Power Plants

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Russia, already a leader in nuclear weapons, wants to be the premier force in nuclear power plant construction. Boris Titov of the Kremlin told the FT that his country wanted to position itself as “one of the biggest builders of new nuclear plants in the world.” He also said that Russia was building nuclear plants in Bangladesh, China, Egypt, India, Iran, and Turkey.

*Power Sources

*The Rise Of Nuclear

*Nuclear Comeback

It is hard to see the strategic benefits. Over time, as fossil fuel use decreases and there is a need for more green energy worldwide, the ability to build nuclear plants has some geopolitical leverage. The FT surmises that Russia may want to benefit from an energy shortage in the Eastern European nations.

In general, being a primary supplier of any green energy helps the nation that is the supplier build an interdependent relationship with the nations that need these new energy sources.

China holds a position related to Russia’s but in the realm of solar energy. China builds 80% of the world’s solar panels and an even higher percentage of some of these components. According to the IEA, “China has been instrumental in bringing down costs worldwide for solar PV, with multiple benefits for clean energy transitions.”

Exporting Oil

The US has the dubious distinction of being a strategic supplier of dirty energy through its oil and coal exports. Last year, 17% of coal production in the US was exported. Most of these exports are to India, The Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, and South Korea.

The US exports about 40% of its oil production. This goes primarily to Mexico, China, The Netherlands, Japan, and Canada.

As energy and energy expertise continue to be exported, what kind of energy gives the most strategic advantage? It’s a good question without an answer.