18-11-2024 (HANOI) Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has unveiled plans to revive the country’s nuclear power programme, emphasising that all developments must align with Party directives and comply with existing atomic energy legislation.
The announcement follows the Politburo’s approval to restart nuclear power development, marking a significant shift in the nation’s energy strategy. According to a recent MoIT report, nuclear power has been identified as a crucial component for ensuring stable electricity supply and advancing Vietnam’s green energy objectives.
The ministry’s reassessment of power demands, conducted within the framework of Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), highlights serious concerns about potential capacity shortages in the national power grid during 2026-2030. This looming energy security challenge has prompted authorities to reconsider nuclear power as a viable solution.
The development framework encompasses both large-scale facilities and smaller nuclear plants, with the ministry emphasising that each project will require customised mechanisms and National Assembly approval. The proposed amendments to the Electricity Law are expected to incorporate specific provisions for nuclear power development.
Addressing public safety concerns, the MoIT confirmed that comprehensive regulations covering plant construction, operation, decommissioning, and safety protocols are already established within the atomic energy law and related legislation.
Vietnam has been actively preparing its workforce for nuclear energy development. Since 2010, the Ministry of Education and Training has sponsored 323 students for nuclear studies in Russia and approximately 100 in Japan. Additionally, state utility provider Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has invested in training 31 specialists in nuclear energy-related fields between 2006 and 2009.
