The 15th National Assembly (NA) adopted a resolution on several special mechanisms and policies for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project at its ninth extraordinary session on February 19.

The Institute of Energy (under the Ministry of Industry and Trade) has proposed considering Ha Tinh as a backup location in case nuclear power plants cannot be developed in Ninh Thuan.

With many countries investing in nuclear energy, Vietnam is seeking to reintroduce its Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. Lawmakers are calling for special policies to address financial, technical, and workforce challenges associated with the project.

In 2025, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VAEI) at the Ministry of Science and Technology will strengthen bilateral and multilateral collaboration with global partners to advance scientific research and practical applications in atomic energy.

While Ninh Thuan remains a key location for nuclear energy, Vietnam plans to develop multiple nuclear power plants across the country, focusing on both large-scale and small modular reactors.

Efforts will be made to urgently complete and develop the national nuclear power infrastructure to support the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, while continuing to carry out the national nuclear power development programme.

To ensure the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant is operational within five years, the government proposes bypassing traditional bidding procedures by directly appointing a contractor through an intergovernmental agreement.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has identified five provinces in Vietnam as potential locations for large-scale nuclear power plants. These provinces are concentrated in the South Central, Central, and North Central regions.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plants be completed by December 31, 2031 at the latest.

The Prime Minister has assigned EVN and PVN to spearhead Vietnam’s first nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan, with an accelerated timeline for completion by 2031.

Dong Nai Province has approved the planning for a nearly 100-hectare Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center, aiming to boost Vietnam's nuclear research and innovation capacity.

In a meeting with Rosatom’s Alexey Likhachev, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh highlighted Vietnam’s ambition to restart nuclear energy projects and strengthen its nuclear science capabilities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has been appointed to head a steering committee tasked with advancing Vietnam’s nuclear power initiatives, including the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has proposed to the Prime Minister that it be assigned as the lead investor for the resumed Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects, building on its previous role.

Vietnam has identified 13-14 potential sites for nuclear power plants, but the success of these projects hinges on building a skilled workforce of thousands, according to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien.

Candu Energy Senior Vice-President Carl Marcotte said the CANDU small modular reactor (SMR) is what Canada is investing in for the next generation of nuclear technology.

Two Vietnamese professors who are working in the US have offered insights into the potential and challenges of nuclear power development in Vietnam, recommending an approach centred on small-scale nuclear reactors.

The Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is set to receive billions of dollars in investment as Vietnam renews its ambitions for clean, reliable energy.

Associate Professor Dr Vuong Huu Tan, former Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, talked to VietNamNet about reactor construction technology, fuel sources, and rational nuclear power proportion.