Nuclear power in Vietnam: Government orientation and International cooperation moves

11Mar2025

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Vietnam’s primary energy supply has largely depended on fossil fuels and renewable sources. However, with the country’s rising electricity demand, the government is exploring efficient alternatives, such as nuclear power.

Overview of Nuclear Power in Vietnam

Vietnam has yet to establish a nuclear power plant and continues to rely heavily on fossil fuels and renewable energy to meet its growing electricity demand. As of 2024, fossil fuels remain the dominant energy source, accounting for 43% of total energy production. Hydropower contributes 28%, while renewable sources, including wind and solar, make up 27%. The remaining 2% consists of imported energy from neighboring countries[1].

Vietnam energy production in 2024 by types

Unit: 100% = 84,360 MW
Vietnam energy production in 2024 by types

Source: Vietnam Energy Online

However, the 13th Central Executive Committee convened in November 2024, called for the revival of nuclear power projects that have been on hiatus since the second session of the 14th National Assembly in 2016[2]. Specifically, this revival emphasizes the construction of two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan province, with a total installed capacity of 4,000 MW[3].

Government Orientation to Utilize Nuclear Energy

On February 5, 2025, the government issued Decision 245/QĐ-TTg, approving the Master Plan for Nuclear Energy Development and Application for the period up to 2030, with a vision toward 2050. The policy emphasizes the urgency of completing and expanding the nuclear power infrastructure, particularly the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. It aims to have two nuclear power plants operational by 2036 while continuing preparations for subsequent projects

Additionally, this decision sets key objectives for integrating nuclear energy more extensively into various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, industrial, etc. In order to accelerate industry growth.

Decision No. 245/QĐ-TTg: Master Plan for Nuclear Energy Development and Application for the period up to 2030, with a vision toward 2050

Application sector	Objective until 2030	Objective until 2050
Healthcare[4]	· 50–60% of provinces and cities have oncology departments equipped with radiotherapy devices · 45–50% of provinces and cities have nuclear medicine departments.	· Vietnam keeps pace with the average level of application in developed countries. · Science, technology, and the use of nuclear energy in healthcare achieve international standards.
Natural resources and Environment	· Developing nuclear and radiation technologies in meteorology, hydrology, water resources, geology, mineral exploration, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation. · Investing in the construction of laboratories for analyzing radioactive isotopes in soil, water, and air.	· Advanced nuclear technologies are widely applied in research, meteorological and hydrological monitoring, water resource management, environmental protection, and ocean acidification studies. · Radiation technology is used to treat certain types of waste that cause environmental pollution from industrial and daily activities.
Agricultural	· Investing in the construction of research facilities for radiation and radioactive isotope applications in key agricultural regions. · Applying radiation and radioactive isotopes in crop breeding, microbiology, plant protection, livestock farming, and veterinary medicine.	· Established some leading nuclear agriculture centers in the Asia-Pacific region. · Nuclear energy is applied in plant breeding and hybridization at an international level, with technologies transferred to countries in the region.
Industrial	· Applying radiation and radioactive isotopes in industrial sectors and developing radiation equipment to reduce reliance on imports. · Expanding production and accelerating the commercialization of radiation-based products and materials.	· Radiation and radioactive isotope applications are widely adopted, contributing to industry growth and driving socio-economic development.
R&D and Human Resource	· Upgrading modern laboratories for nuclear technology research and applications. · Establishing a nuclear science and technology research center in Dong Nai, featuring a 10MW nuclear reactor. · Providing undergraduate and postgraduate training both domestically and internationally. · Developing educational institutions, medical infrastructure, and research facilities related to nuclear energy.	· Vietnam’s nuclear science and technology capabilities have developed to match the average level of developed countries. · Modern infrastructure and a highly skilled workforce support the advancement of radiation applications, radioactive isotopes, and nuclear power development.

Source: Vietnam Government Portal

International Investment Moves

In the context of Vietnam’s revival of nuclear power projects, its long-term strategic partners Japan, South Korea, and Russia – three of the world’s leading nations in nuclear power – are ready to support the construction and promotion of nuclear power and nuclear plants in accordance with the government’s planned agenda.

On February 25, 2025, the governments of Vietnam and Korea signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation in key sectors, including industry, trade, and energy, with a particular focus on nuclear power. As part of this commitment, South Korea is willing to support Vietnam in the development of its nuclear energy sector, ensuring a stable electricity supply for economic and social development in the new era while advancing the country’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050[5].

In addition, representatives from Japan’s JINED (The International Nuclear Energy Development of Japan) will continue to support Vietnam in the construction and development of the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plant in Vinh Hai. Furthermore, starting from 2025, Fukui University and Nagoya University will partner with University of Science and Technology to facilitate student exchanges and collaborations in the field of nuclear engineering[6].

Russia shares the same objective, remaining a key partner in investing in and developing nuclear power plants in Vietnam. Rosatom, Russia’s state nuclear energy corporation, is committed to continuing its support for the construction of Ninh Thuan 1 in Phuoc Dinh, as well as dedicate to invest in Vietnam nuclear power industry in the future[7].

List of nuclear power plants planned for construction under government policies

Source: B&Company Compilation

Conclusion

With investment cooperation from the leading nations in nuclear power – Russia, Japan and Korea – alongside the government’s strategic direction and supportive initiatives, Vietnam has a significant opportunity to advance in this emerging energy sector. This foundation paves the way for widespread nuclear energy applications across various economic industries, bringing the country closer to standing alongside other developed nations worldwide.

[1] Vietnam Energy Online (2025). Vietnam Energy Situation in 2024 <Access>

[2] Vietnam Electricity (2016). Putting Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plants in Indefinite Hiatus <Access>

[3] Vietnam Ministry of Industry and Trade (2009). Ninh Thuan Power Plants Investment Plans <Access>

[4] Focus regions for investment: The Northern Midlands and Mountainous Areas, North Central Coast, Central Coast, Central Highlands, and the Mekong Delta.

[5] Government News (2025). Vietnam Promotes Nuclear Power Cooperation with Korea <Access>

[6] Communist Party of Vietnam Portal (2024). Japan Commits to Support Vietnam in Nuclear Industry <Access>

[7] Lao Dong News (2025). Russia continues to Support Vietnam in developing nuclear power <Access>

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