IAEA completes integrated assessment of Vietnam's nuclear power infrastructure.

Vietnamese delegates and the working group pose for a commemorative photo at the closing ceremony of the working session on December 11, 2025.

The delegation, led by Eric Mathet, Head of the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Division of the International Atomic Energy Agency, consisted of 10 experts and 1 observer.

The main objective of this working group is to assess the current state of Vietnam's national nuclear infrastructure according to the conditions described in the International Atomic Energy Agency'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 making 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 and Industry 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 11th, the 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 were 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.

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

The draft preliminary report of the Working Group presents 38 recommendations and 13 proposals, emphasizing areas requiring further action to benefit Vietnam, including 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 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 capabilities, and enhance coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities. This is a practice that the International Atomic Energy Agency considers crucial for ensuring the progress and sustainability of the program.

Secondly, Vietnam has effectively utilized its existing experience and environmental monitoring network to support the preparation of nuclear power projects. This is a practice recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency because it helps improve the quality of environmental assessments, increase transparency, and reduce 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 plan, in the first quarter of 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Vietnam will collaborate to finalize the draft report, and in the second quarter of 2026, the International Atomic Energy Agency will send the official report to the Vietnamese Government after completing the necessary procedures.

HA LINH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/iaea-hoan-thanh-danh-gia-tich-hop-co-so-ha-tang-dien-hat-nhan-cua-viet-nam-post929723.html