Navigating Vietnam’s Readiness for Preparing Their First Nuclear Power Plant
Vietnam is currently facing the challenge of energy transition and the need for stable baseload resources amid high electricity demand to support industrialization and urbanization. On the other hand, the economic growth rate targeted by Vietnam, with a figure of more than 8% this year and double-digit growth in the following years, maps out annual electricity demand growth that will reach 12–14%. To meet this demand, electricity capacity needs to be increased by up to 3 times by 2030 and up to 7 times by 2050. This decision also poses a major challenge for Vietnam in achieving the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) target by 2050, which requires abandoning the use of fossil fuels such as coal.
To realize its ambitions, Vietnam is now reviving its nuclear program through the construction of two Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) in Ninh Thuan Province (currently Khanh Hoa Province), after shelving them in 2016. Back in 2009, Vietnam had prepared the project to build its first NPP in Ninh Thuan using Russia’s VVER-1200 reactor technology. However, the project was halted in 2016 due to economic considerations. Then, in November 2024, the National Assembly approved the government’s proposal to restart the nuclear energy program.
In February 2025, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh instructed two state-owned enterprises, Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and PetroVietnam (PVN), to complete the construction of two NPPs in the country. The Prime Minister requested that both Ninh Thuan NPP constructions be deployed immediately and completed by 2030. Under this scenario, Vietnam could operate its first NPP as early as 2031 and at the latest by 2035. After that, the operators also plan to develop a transmission network to connect and release the capacity from the NPPs.
The increasingly progressive nuclear program in Vietnam is supported by the government, which officially integrated nuclear energy into the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) in April 2025. To follow up on this step, the Ministry of Science and Technology has also been assigned to lead the drafting of amendments to the Atomic Energy Law. On June 27, 2025, the National Assembly of Vietnam officially passed the law, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. Seeing this significant nuclear progress, how far will Vietnam’s nuclear program development go, and what will be the next steps for Vietnam to organize and realize the construction of its first NPP?
Strengthening Sustainable Nuclear Program Regulations
The amendment to the Atomic Energy Law, passed by Vietnam’s National Assembly, was approved almost unanimously (99.9%), marking Vietnam’s determination to develop safe and sustainable nuclear energy. This amendment replaces the 2008 Atomic Energy Law (No. 18/2008/QH12) and comprehensively restructures the legislation governing the atomic energy sector. Containing 73 articles divided into 8 chapters, the amendment covers various aspects from the development and application of atomic energy to ensuring radiation safety, nuclear safety and security, the management of NPPs, research reactors, incident response, damage compensation, nuclear inspections, and the organization of state assets management.
With respect to global energy transition, this amendment will serve as the main legal instrument to implement Vietnam’s nuclear energy development strategy in line with the pressures of energy security and greenhouse gas emission reduction, with the following breakthroughs:
Establishing nuclear energy as a strategic component, not only as a stable source of electricity but also as “green power,” with significant potential to contribute to greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.
A solid legal corridor for restarting nuclear power projects in Vietnam, particularly the Ninh Thuan NPP project with advanced reactor technologies: Generation III+, Generation IV, and small modular reactors (SMRs).
Comprehensive NPP lifecycle regulation, governing the entire lifecycle of NPPs, from site surveys, design, construction, and operation to decommissioning and dismantling, in accordance with the strict standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy through nuclear inspections, in line with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
The important role of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) as an independent organization responsible for technical monitoring, licensing, and incident response throughout the lifecycle of nuclear facilities.
Expansion of non-energy nuclear applications, such as in medicine, agriculture, industry, and risk classification to provide appropriate policy support, encouraging the participation of companies, research institutions, and scientific and technological organizations.
Focus on localization and mastery of technology, with the goal of developing a domestic nuclear industry, prioritizing investment in manufacturing equipment, monitoring, and safety assessment, while moving toward mastery of SMRs and new-generation nuclear power technologies.
Digital transformation of nuclear management, requiring the establishment of a national nuclear energy database and the development of digital infrastructure for licensing, monitoring, inspection, reporting, and controlling the import and export of nuclear materials.
Setting A Clear Nuclear Capacity for National Energy Goals
The implementation of Vietnam’s nuclear program through the construction of two Ninh Thuan NPPs is projected to cost up to USD 22 billion, equivalent to around 5% of Vietnam’s GDP. To manage these two strategic projects, the government has appointed EVN and PVN as the main investors. EVN will serve as the investor for Ninh Thuan 1 NPP, located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district. Meanwhile, PVN will serve as the investor for Ninh Thuan 2 NPP, located in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district.
The PDP8, initially released in May 2023, set two operational target scenarios for the Ninh Thuan NPPs. Under the basic scenario, Ninh Thuan 1 NPP with 2 units, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, is targeted to operate between 2031 and 2035, while Ninh Thuan 2 NPP with 2 units, each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, is targeted to operate between 2036 and 2040. Meanwhile, under the high scenario, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 NPPs, with a total of 4 units each with a capacity of 1,200 MW, are targeted to operate between 2031 and 2035. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s potential for nuclear power development could be considered in three regions: the South-Central region (around 25 - 30 GW), the Central region (around 10 GW), and the North Central region (around 4 - 5 GW).
The PDP8 was later revised and approved on April 15, 2025, through Decision No. 768/QD-TTg. The revision took effect immediately upon issuance and outlines Vietnam’s electricity development strategy for the 2021 - 2030 period, with a vision to 2050. The revision also sets clear objectives for nuclear power projects. Ninh Thuan 1 & 2 NPPs will operate with a capacity of 4,000 - 6,400 MW between 2030 and 2035. Subsequently, the nuclear power system will need to add around 8,000 MW by 2050 to provide a stable baseload supply, with the potential for further increases depending on demand. The PDP8 also requires nuclear power projects to comply with strict standards to ensure a safe and reliable electricity supply, meeting power grid reliability criteria such as the N-2 standard.
Next-Gen Reactor Technologies Driving Vietnam’s Net Zero 2050 Vision
After previously considering the use of large-scale nuclear reactors in its past nuclear program, Vietnam now plans to develop SMRs across the country alongside the large-scale nuclear projects planned in the southern province of Ninh Thuan. SMRs feature compact and flexible designs, with sizes only about one-tenth of a standard nuclear reactor, making them easier to build and more affordable to invest in. The estimated investment per megawatt (MW) for SMRs ranges between USD 7,000 - 12,000, or USD 2.1 - 3.6 billion for a 300 MW power plant. The relatively short construction period for SMRs, around 2 - 3 years, makes them more efficient in accelerating energy transition targets compared to conventional NPPs, which require 5 - 10 years and cost around USD 6 - 9 billion.
Despite their small size, the development of SMRs must consider geologically suitable sites that meet safety requirements and provide proper solutions for nuclear waste disposal. The flexibility of SMR deployment in Vietnam is believed to be capable of meeting domestic electricity supply needs while aligning with the NZE 2050 target. To meet this target, the government will also expand its energy mix through power generation from combined-cycle gas turbines and liquefied natural gas, as well as contributions from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
Cross-Agency Synergy to Fast-Track Nuclear Power Infrastructure Readiness
The establishment of main and supporting infrastructure projects for the Ninh Thuan NPPs has been carried out through interagency synergy. The investment implementation for the Ninh Thuan NPP project has been officially approved with the issuance of special mechanisms and policies under Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15 by the National Assembly and licensing by the Politburo. On the other hand, the Prime Minister has established a Steering Committee for the construction of the NPPs, comprising key figures from various ministries and agencies, through Prime Minister’s Decision No. 72/QD-TTg issued on January 10, 2025, emphasizing the government’s comprehensive approach to NPP development. The Steering Committee is tasked with overcoming obstacles, refining regulations, developing NPP programs, and strengthening international cooperation, particularly with the IAEA.
In addition, the Deputy Prime Minister has instructed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to proactively coordinate with relevant ministries, agencies, EVN, and PVN to engage in negotiations with partners regarding the Intergovernmental Agreement on the Ninh Thuan NPP investment project. Negotiations for Ninh Thuan 1 NPP are targeted for completion in August 2025, while Ninh Thuan 2 NPP negotiations must be completed no later than May 2026. The Ministry of Finance will also lead coordination with the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee to review the total budget for migration, resettlement, and site clearance for the Ninh Thuan NPP project, propose support from the central budget, and report to the Prime Minister before August 10, 2025.
Finally, the Deputy Prime Minister has ordered the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee to enforce relevant regulations and instructions to ensure public safety, prioritize the implementation of compensation and resettlement, immediately relocate households, and ensure that site clearance is completed and handed over to investors in 2025 in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directives. This also includes strengthening supervision to prevent corruption, abuse, and waste, as well as ensuring that relocated residents have living conditions equal to or better than before. EVN and PVN have also been instructed to complete the pre-feasibility study reports for the NPP construction projects to be submitted to the competent authorities as a basis for investment policy adjustments, with the target of completing Ninh Thuan 1 NPP by September 2025 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPP no later than June 2026.
Taking Advantage of Regional Markets: Vietnam’s Clean Energy Export Initiative
The integration of strategic nuclear power projects into Vietnam’s long-term energy development plan is projected to increase domestic power supply, making it a smart solution to address frequent power outage issues. The development of nuclear power projects within the clean energy mix also has the potential to support electricity export programs to countries surrounding Vietnam. This is clearly outlined in the three main objectives set in PDP8, namely meeting domestic load demand in each region, promoting direct electricity trade, and exporting clean electricity to neighboring countries as regional partners.
Clean energy exports will undoubtedly significantly boost Vietnam’s economic growth. In support of this, Vietnam has signed several electricity export contracts with Singapore and Malaysia, which serve as the foundation for expanding the clean energy market in the region. The focus is on increasing the capacity of renewable energy sources for export purposes, with a target of delivering around 400 MW of electricity to Cambodia by 2030. By 2035, export capacity to Singapore, Malaysia, and other regional partners is projected to reach 5,000 - 10,000 MW, with the goal of maintaining 10,000 MW until 2050 and the possibility of increasing according to the needs of importing countries.
Strategic Foreign Alliances Powering the Future of Vietnam’s Nuclear Industry
The development of Vietnam’s nuclear program is inseparable from international cooperation with other countries. This nuclear energy revival has established a strong commitment to a cooperation agreement between Russia and Vietnam. During his visit to Vietnam on January 13, 2025, Rosatom Director Alexei Likhachev reaffirmed his interest in partnering in the Ninh Thuan NPP project. Rosatom is expected to be a strategic partner in technology transfer, construction, and operational support, given Russia’s extensive experience in nuclear energy exports. Nuclear power project negotiations between Russia and Vietnam have led to an agreement to accelerate negotiations and the signing of an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of NPPs in Vietnam. This also includes the signing of an Interdepartmental Roadmap for Nuclear Technology Development until 2030, which covers the construction of a nuclear science and technology center, workforce training, and Vietnam’s participation in Russia’s nuclear reactor research centers.
Vietnam is also engaging in bilateral cooperation with South Korea in the energy industry, including renewable energy and nuclear power, strengthening relations in trade, security, and other sectors. The industry ministries of both countries also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly develop projects in the renewable energy sector, such as solar power, wind power, and energy storage systems. Furthermore, Seoul’s state-run Korea Electric Power Corp. and PVN also signed an MoU to train the workforce for Vietnam’s nuclear power industry, which plans to build four nuclear reactors by 2035. South Korea is committed to expanding economic cooperation with Vietnam to achieve the bilateral trade target of USD 150 billion by 2030, while strengthening partnerships in future strategic sectors such as AI, nuclear power, infrastructure, science and technology, and human resources development.
Meanwhile, France has also expressed interest in partnering with Vietnam. During his visit to Vietnam from May 25 - 27, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting the country’s energy transition by providing a €500 million concessional loan, specifically allocated for projects under the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) framework. This initiative aims to accelerate the shift toward new and clean energy sources, such as renewables, hydrogen, and nuclear power, while creating broad opportunities for collaboration among policymakers, scientists, and business leaders from both nations.
Positioning Vietnam as Southeast Asia’s Sustainable Nuclear Powerhouse
Vietnam’s strong commitment to advancing nuclear energy to realize its first NPP in 2031 as the backbone of long-term baseload power generation will open many strategic opportunities for the country’s future. In addition to strengthening national energy security and supporting the clean energy transition, nuclear energy will also make a significant contribution to the economy, industrial growth, and workforce development. Well-executed and disciplined project implementation, with sustainable financing and strategic international partnerships, will position Vietnam as a nuclear energy hub in Southeast Asia, including through initiatives focused on the development of advanced nuclear technologies such as SMRs.
Going forward, the region is projected to become a crucial area for nuclear development, moving from the exploration stage to active preparation for the deployment of strategic nuclear energy. With the progressive steps taken by Vietnam, the country has the potential to become a model of successful nuclear energy development for other Southeast Asian countries, amid diverse decarbonization, economic, and industrial advancement challenges.
