The International Atomic Energy Agency's delegation provided important recommendations to support Vietnam in building its nuclear power infrastructure.

On December 11, 2025, in Hanoi, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MST), under the leadership of the Department of Radiation and Nuclear Safety, chaired and coordinated with relevant ministries and agencies of Vietnam to summarize the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) delegation to comprehensively assess the national nuclear power infrastructure (Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission - INIR Mission).

A general overview of the working session.

The INIR delegation worked in Vietnam from December 1-11, 2025, focusing on a comprehensive and objective review and assessment of all 19 aspects of nuclear power infrastructure in comparison to Milestone 2, as guided by the IAEA. The discussions were open, evidence-based, and fully consistent with safety, security principles, and international best practices. The INIR delegation provided comments, recommendations, and noted best practices, thereby providing a clear and objective foundation for Vietnam to further strengthen its national nuclear power infrastructure.

After 11 days of focused, substantive, and highly constructive work, the parties reached an agreement on a draft comprehensive report to be submitted to the Vietnamese Government, outlining the tasks achieved and areas requiring further improvement. Simultaneously, it offered important recommendations to support Vietnam in developing a master plan for nuclear power infrastructure development, contributing to the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project ensuring progress, efficiency, safety, security, and compliance with IAEA and international standards.

Ms. Aline De Cloizeaux, Director of the Nuclear Power Division, IAEA Nuclear Energy Commission, handed over the draft report of the Delegation to Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the working session, on behalf of the Ministry of Science and Technology , Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh expressed his deep gratitude to all members of the delegation for their dedication, professionalism, and valuable support throughout this comprehensive evaluation process.

Highly appreciating the expertise demonstrated in this report, Deputy Minister Le Xuan Dinh stated that relevant ministries, sectors, EVN, PVN, and domestic agencies and organizations will study and integrate the delegation's recommendations into their current implementation processes. The Ministry of Science and Technology is committed to closely coordinating with ministries, sectors, and relevant parties to incorporate the recommendations promptly and effectively. Vietnam will continue to cooperate closely with the IAEA to ensure that Vietnam's national program progresses in accordance with international standards and IAEA guidelines.

According to IAEA guidelines, nuclear power infrastructure comprises 19 main components encompassing all activities and preparations in every aspect, from physical facilities, equipment, sites, auxiliary works, legal documents to economic and human resources, to support the nuclear power development program.

The INIR delegation will be working in Vietnam from December 1-11, 2025.

For a country like Vietnam, which is just starting its first nuclear power program, the infrastructure development process must go through three phases, marked by three corresponding milestones. The phases and corresponding milestones are as follows:

Phase 1: Preparation for making a decision to launch the nuclear power program, marked by Milestone No. 1 - Ready to make a policy decision to implement the first nuclear power project.

Phase 2: Preparation for the construction of the nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone No. 2 - Ready to invite bids for the first project.

Phase 3: Construction and commissioning of the first nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 3 - Ready to commission the first nuclear power plant.

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh, the INIR working group, the Department of Radiation and Nuclear Safety, and relevant ministries and agencies.

Radiation and Nuclear Safety Agency, Center for Science and Technology Communication

Source: https://mst.gov.vn/doan-cong-tac-cua-co-quan-nang-luong-nguyen-tu-quoc-te-dua-ra-cac-khuyen-cao-quan-trong-ho-tro-viet-nam-xay-dung-co-so-ha-tang-dien-hat-nhan-197251211174911891.htm