International Atomic Energy Agency assesses the integration of nuclear power infrastructure in Vietnam

Promoting Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and raising national nuclear energy infrastructure standards

According to information from the Ministry of Science and Technology, this is an important activity in the preparation roadmap for the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project as well as similar nuclear power projects in the future. The INIR delegation includes 7 IAEA experts, 3 international experts invited from the UK, Brazil, Bulgaria and 1 observer from Egypt. During the working period, the delegation will coordinate with representatives of relevant ministries, branches and units of Vietnam, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Security , Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), Vietnam National Energy Industry Group (PVN) and Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee.

Speaking at the opening of the working session, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highly appreciated the valuable and timely support of the IAEA, and emphasized that the experience and companionship of international experts are of special importance to Vietnam in completing the nuclear power infrastructure according to international standards and IAEA guidelines. The Deputy Minister affirmed: "The Ministry of Science and Technology, as the coordinating and leading agency for the development of nuclear power infrastructure, will promote activities according to the recommendations of the IAEA, meeting the requirements of the first nuclear power project in Vietnam. At the same time, the Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to support and advocate cooperation activities between Vietnam and the IAEA in developing atomic energy for peaceful purposes."

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh delivered the opening speech at the Working Group to assess the integration of nuclear power infrastructure in Vietnam.

The Deputy Minister also expressed his gratitude for the active and responsible coordination of ministries, branches, central and local agencies in the preparation of the Self-Assessment Report and the necessary conditions for the INIR Working Group. This companionship is considered an important factor to ensure the overall success of the working session.

On the IAEA side, Mr. Eric Mathet, Head of the Mission, said: “This mission marks an important milestone in Vietnam’s journey towards establishing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power programme, in line with international safety obligations.” Mr. Eric Mathet also appreciated Vietnam’s efforts in preparing the Self-Assessment Report, and stressed the importance of open communication between the Vietnamese and INIR working groups to ensure the success of the assessment.

According to IAEA guidelines, the national nuclear power infrastructure includes 19 main contents, reflecting all preparation activities from facilities, equipment, locations, auxiliary works, legal documents to economic and human resources serving the nuclear power development program. For a country that has just started a nuclear power program like Vietnam, the infrastructure development process is divided into three main stages, marking three corresponding milestones:

Phase 1: Prepare to make a decision to launch the nuclear power program, marking Milestone No. 1, ready to make a decision on implementing the first nuclear power project.

Phase 2: Preparing for the construction of the nuclear power plant, marking Milestone 2, ready to invite bids for the first project.

Phase 3: Construction and operation of the first nuclear power plant, marking Milestone No. 3, ready to put the first nuclear power plant into operation.

This INIR review focused on comprehensively reviewing 19 nuclear power infrastructure contents according to Milestone 2, preparing for the invitation to bid for the first nuclear power project. To serve the working group, the Nuclear Power Infrastructure Review Working Group established by the Ministry of Science and Technology completed the Self-Assessment Report and sent it to the IAEA in October 2025.

At the end of the working session, the IAEA will compile a report to the Government of Vietnam, pointing out the tasks that have been achieved, the areas that need to be further improved, and proposing important recommendations to support Vietnam in developing a Master Plan for Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development. This report will be an important basis to help Vietnam implement the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project to ensure progress, efficiency, safety and security, while meeting IAEA and international standards.

The working session of the INIR delegation not only helps Vietnam objectively assess the progress of nuclear power infrastructure preparation but also affirms Vietnam's commitment to developing a safe and sustainable nuclear power program in accordance with international standards, contributing to the development of clean and modern energy sources for the country.

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