IAEA launches integrated assessment of nuclear power infrastructure in Vietnam

Implementing the direction of the Prime Minister, Head of the Steering Committee for the construction of nuclear power plants, from December 1 to 11, 2025 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), with the focal point being the Department of Radiation and Nuclear Safety, presided over and coordinated with relevant ministries and branches of Vietnam to work with the working group of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to comprehensively assess the national nuclear power infrastructure (Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission - INIR Mission).

Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh attended and delivered the opening speech at the working session on the morning of December 1. (Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology)

This is an important activity in the preparation roadmap for the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and similar projects in the future. The INIR delegation includes 7 IAEA experts, 3 international experts invited by the IAEA from the UK, Brazil, Bulgaria and 1 observer from Egypt.

The delegation will work with representatives of relevant ministries, branches and units of Vietnam, including the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Education and Training, Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN), Vietnam National Energy - Industry Group (PVN), and Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee.

According to IAEA guidelines, nuclear power infrastructure includes 19 main contents showing all activities and preparations in all aspects from facilities, equipment, locations, auxiliary works, legal documents to economic and human resources to serve the nuclear power development program.

For a country that is just starting its first nuclear power program like Vietnam, the infrastructure development process must go through 3 stages marked by 3 corresponding milestones.

The respective phases and milestones are as follows: Phase 1 – Preparation for the decision to launch a nuclear power program, marked by Milestone 1 – Readiness to make a policy decision to launch the first nuclear power project.

Phase 2 – Preparation for the construction of the nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 2 – Ready to invite tenders for the first project.

Phase 3 – Construction and commissioning of the first nuclear power plant, marked by Milestone 3 – Readiness to commission the first nuclear power plant.

The Ministry of Science and Technology will continue to support and advocate cooperation activities between Vietnam and the IAEA in developing applications of atomic energy for peaceful purposes in Vietnam. (Photo: Ministry of Science and Technology)

This INIR mission focused on reviewing and evaluating objectively and comprehensively all 19 nuclear power infrastructure contents compared to Milestone 2 according to IAEA guidelines. In preparation for the mission, the Vietnam Nuclear Power Infrastructure Assessment Task Force established by the Ministry of Science and Technology completed the Self-Assessment Report and submitted it to the IAEA in October 2025.

Through the working session, the INIR delegation will have a summary report sent to the Vietnamese Government, which will point out the tasks that have been achieved, the areas that still need to be improved, and at the same time give important recommendations to support Vietnam in building a Master Plan for the development of nuclear power infrastructure, contributing to the implementation of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project to ensure progress, efficiency, safety, security, and meeting IAEA and international standards.

Minh Hoan

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/iaea-trien-khai-danh-gia-tich-hop-co-so-ha-tang-dien-hat-nhan-o-viet-nam-ar990284.html