IAEA issues important recommendations to Vietnam regarding the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

During its visit from December 1st to 11th, the IAEA's INIR delegation conducted a comprehensive assessment of 19 nuclear power infrastructure components under Milestone 2 and issued several important recommendations. These objective assessments provide a basis for Vietnam to finalize its overall nuclear power infrastructure development plan, preparing for subsequent implementation steps to ensure safety, efficiency, and compliance with international standards.

The delegation was led by Mr. Eric Mathet,   The IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section Chief led the delegation.   The delegation consists of 10 experts and 1 observer. The main objective of this mission is to assess the current state of Vietnam's national nuclear infrastructure according to the conditions described in the IAEA's assessment methodology for phase 2.   This assesses a country's readiness to tender or negotiate contracts for the construction of its first nuclear power plant, thereby identifying areas requiring further action and providing recommendations and proposals for the Vietnamese Government and relevant agencies to develop action plans to address limitations and shortcomings in the future.

During their nearly two weeks of work in Vietnam, the experts have   exchange,   direct discussions with representatives of 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 and Industry Group (PVN), and the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa province will review, consider, and objectively and comprehensively assess all 19 aspects of nuclear power infrastructure.

At the closing session of the working group on December 11, 2025, the INIR delegation   In conclusion, 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. Numerous 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. These include strengthening the legal and regulatory framework for radiation safety, nuclear safety, nuclear security and safeguards; implementing plans to enhance human resource capacity; improving preparations for the bidding and construction phases; developing a national strategy on the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management; and updating coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders.

Ms. Aline Des Cloizeaux, Head of the Nuclear Energy Section of the IAEA's Nuclear Energy Division, handed over the draft of the preliminary INIR report to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh.

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.

According to the planned schedule, in Q1 2026, the IAEA and Vietnam will collaborate to finalize the draft INIR report, and in Q2 2026, the IAEA will submit the official report to the Vietnamese Government after completing the necessary procedures.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/iaea-dua-khuyen-nghi-quan-important-cho-viet-nam-ve-du-an-dien-hat-nhan-ninh-thuan.html