The main phase of construction has begun for a fifth nuclear power plant at Leningrad in Russia with president Vladimir Putin saying that by 2045, the share of nuclear generation in the country’s energy mix will increase to 25% – up from around 19.6% today.

The start of construction for the plant, a VVER-1200 pressurised water reactor unit known both as Leningrad-7 and Leningrad-2-3, began with the laying of first concrete for the foundation of the reactor building and a ceremony attended by Putin by video link.

Putin said the new plant will improve the energy security of the entire northwest region of Russia and will provide consumers with more environmentally friendly, clean electricity for “years to come”.