Integrated assessment of nuclear power infrastructure in Vietnam

From December 1 to 11, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Science and Technology, with the Department of Radiation and Nuclear Safety as the focal point, will preside over and coordinate with relevant ministries and branches to work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) working group to comprehensively assess the national nuclear power infrastructure.

Working scene.

This is an important activity in the preparation roadmap for the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and similar projects in the future. The International Atomic Energy Agency delegation includes 7 experts, 3 international experts invited by the International Atomic Energy Agency from the UK, Brazil, Bulgaria and 1 observer from Egypt.

The delegation will work 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 Environment, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), Vietnam National Energy-Industry Group (PVN), and Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee.

In his opening speech at the Working Session, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh highly appreciated the valuable and timely support of the International Atomic Energy Agency as well as the experience and companionship of experts, which are of special importance to Vietnam in the process of completing the nuclear power infrastructure according to international standards and guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

The Deputy Minister affirmed that the Ministry of Science and Technology, as the coordinating and leading agency for nuclear power infrastructure development, will promote nuclear power infrastructure development activities according to the recommendations of the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet 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 International Atomic Energy Agency in developing applications of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh delivered the opening speech at the Working Group on the assessment of 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 process of preparing the Self-Assessment Report and the necessary conditions for the Working Group. The support of domestic agencies is an important factor to ensure the overall success of this working session.

On the side of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Mr. Eric Mathet, Head of the Mission, said that this Mission marks an important milestone in Vietnam's journey towards establishing a safe, secure and sustainable nuclear power program, taking into account its safety obligations. The International Atomic Energy Agency highly appreciated Vietnam's efforts in preparing the Self-Assessment Report for this Mission.

The Working Group, comprising experienced experts in the fields of nuclear power infrastructure, has carefully studied the Self-Assessment Report of Vietnam and maintained regular contact with the Vietnamese focal point in reviewing and evaluating the report. The International Atomic Energy Agency also encourages open exchanges between the Vietnamese working groups and the Working Group to ensure the success of the working session.

According to the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency, nuclear power infrastructure includes 19 main contents showing all activities and preparations in all aspects from facilities, equipment, locations, auxiliary works, legal documents to economic and human resources to serve the nuclear power development program. For a country that has just started its first nuclear power program like Vietnam, the infrastructure development process must go through 3 stages marked by 3 corresponding milestones. The stages and corresponding milestones are as follows: Stage 1 - Preparation to make a decision to launch a nuclear power program, marked by Milestone 1 - Ready to make a decision on implementing the first nuclear power project; Stage 2 - Preparation for the construction of a nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 2 - Ready to invite bids for the first project; Phase 3 – Construction and commissioning of the first nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 3 – Readiness to commission the first nuclear power plant.

Vietnamese delegates and IAEA experts attended the Working Session.

This working group focused on reviewing and objectively and comprehensively evaluating all 19 nuclear power infrastructure contents compared to Milestone 2 according to the guidance of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

In preparation for the Working Group, the Working Group on assessing Vietnam's nuclear power infrastructure established by the Ministry of Science and Technology has completed the Self-Assessment Report and submitted it to the International Atomic Energy Agency in October 2025.

Through the working session, the working group will have a summary report sent to the Vietnamese Government, which will point out the tasks that have been achieved, the areas that still need to be improved, and at the same time give important recommendations to support Vietnam in developing a Master Plan for the development of nuclear power infrastructure, contributing to the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project to ensure progress, efficiency, safety, security, and meeting the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency and international standards.

Ha Linh

Source: https://nhandan.vn/danh-gia-tich-hop-co-so-ha-tang-dien-hat-nhan-o-viet-nam-post927213.html