The nuclear energy sector is becoming more important to Russia as a tool of international power, attracting funds and investments for new infrastructure and R&D projects around the world. It’s not hard to see why, with the global market in the nuclear generation sector alone worth about $300bn and growing at 4% a year.

For Russia, the nuclear energy industry represents more than the prospect of lucrative contracts. The Kremlin has been using nuclear power plants as a way of cementing ties with its fellow emerging markets. Nuclear has become a tool of influence and geopolitics.