IAEA completes assessment of Vietnam's nuclear power infrastructure.

From December 1-11, 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 work 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).

Photo caption — Ms. Aline Des Cloizeaux, Head of Nuclear Energy
The IAEA's Nuclear Energy Board submitted a draft of the preliminary INIR report to
Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh.

The delegation, led by Mr. Eric Mathet, Head of the IAEA's Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, consisted of 10 experts and 1 observer. The main objective of this delegation was 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, to evaluate 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 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 on December 11, 2025, the INIR delegation concluded that Vietnam had 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. 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.

The expert group noted two good practices from Vietnam that could serve as lessons for countries developing nuclear power:

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 the ability to mobilize capital and select contractors, and enhance coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities. This is a practice that the IAEA considers crucial to ensuring the progress and sustainability of the program.

Secondly, Vietnam has effectively utilized its existing environmental monitoring experience and network to support the preparation of the nuclear power project. This is a practice recommended by the IAEA as it helps improve the quality of environmental assessments, increase transparency, and reduce project preparation time. These two practices demonstrate that Vietnam is approaching the 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 plan, in the first quarter of 2026, the IAEA and Vietnam will work together to 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.

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