A comprehensive assessment of Vietnam's nuclear power infrastructure.

From December 1st to 11th, in Hanoi, the Department of Radiation and Nuclear Safety, Ministry of Science and Technology, in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies of Vietnam, worked with a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the national nuclear power infrastructure (Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission – INIR Mission).

The delegation, led by Mr. Eric Mathet, Head of the IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, assessed the current state of Vietnam's national nuclear infrastructure according to the conditions described in the IAEA's assessment methodology for Phase 2 – assessing a country's readiness to tender or negotiate contracts for the construction of its first nuclear power plant. The assessment identified areas requiring further action and provided recommendations and proposals for the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencies to develop action plans to address limitations and shortcomings in the future.

During nearly two weeks of work in Vietnam, the experts exchanged and discussed directly with representatives from relevant agencies of the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), Vietnam National Energy Corporation (PVN), and the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province to review, consider, and objectively and comprehensively assess all 19 aspects of nuclear power infrastructure.

At the closing session of the working group, the INIR delegation concluded that Vietnam has made significant progress in restarting and accelerating the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant Project as well as developing the necessary infrastructure. Many solutions and decisions have been adopted at all levels, including the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, and relevant ministries and agencies. In 2025, Vietnam enacted the amended Atomic Energy Law and adopted specific mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of nuclear power projects.

The draft preliminary report of the INIR working group presents 38 recommendations and 13 proposals, highlighting areas requiring further action to benefit Vietnam, including strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for the nuclear power program, implementing plans to enhance human resource capacity, improving preparations for the bidding and construction phases, consolidating the national strategy on the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management, and updating coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders.

The expert group noted two good practices in Vietnam that could serve as valuable lessons for other developing nuclear power nations. Firstly, the National Assembly's adoption of Resolution 189/2025/QH15 demonstrates a strong political commitment to the nuclear power program, while also establishing a specific mechanism to simplify investment procedures, expedite land clearance, expand capital mobilization and contractor selection, and enhance coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities. This practice is considered by the IAEA to be a decisive factor in ensuring the program's progress and sustainability. Secondly, Vietnam has effectively utilized its existing environmental monitoring experience and network to support the preparation of nuclear power projects. This is a practice recommended by the IAEA as it improves the quality of environmental assessments, increases transparency, and reduces project preparation time. These two practices demonstrate that Vietnam is approaching its nuclear power program in a systematic manner, in line with international standards, and shows its determination to implement it responsibly and effectively.

It is expected that in the first quarter of 2026, the IAEA and Vietnam will jointly finalize the draft INIR report, and in the second quarter of 2026, the IAEA will send the official report to the Vietnamese Government after completing the necessary procedures.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/danh-gia-toan-dien-co-so-ha-tang-dien-hat-nhan-cua-viet-nam-20251211225615642.htm