Strengthening Vietnam-France cooperation in sustainable energy development

As Vietnam accelerates its energy transition to achieve its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, international cooperation plays an important role in developing clean and sustainable energy sources. As one of the leading countries in nuclear energy, France wishes to become a long-term partner of Vietnam in this field.

Recently, a high-ranking delegation from the French Electricity Group (EDF) visited and worked in Vietnam, aiming to open up prospects for promoting cooperation between the two countries in developing civil nuclear energy.

EDF's visit comes after Vietnam and France officially upgraded their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during General Secretary To Lam 's visit to France in October 2024. One of the focuses of cooperation between the two countries is energy and sustainable development, including research and application of civil nuclear technology.

During the visit, EDF representatives had working sessions with Vietnamese energy management agencies to discuss the possibility of cooperation between the two countries in the field of civil nuclear energy.

As one of Europe's largest energy companies, EDF has extensive experience in developing nuclear power. In less than 30 years, the company has built 66 reactors, helping France reach 70% of its electricity from nuclear power.

EDF is currently developing new generation EPR reactors - third generation pressurized water reactors with outstanding advantages in efficiency and safety, which have been put into operation in: China (2 reactors), Finland (1 reactor) and France (1 reactor). In addition, EDF is building 2 more reactors in the UK and planning 6 new reactors in France.

At the meetings, the French side proposed to Vietnam to initiate a long-term partnership in the field of nuclear energy, in line with the country's development needs and serving the goal of strong and rapid economic growth.

EDF and the French nuclear industry are ready to offer their experience in manufacturing, technology and industrial training capabilities to serve Vietnam, and to support Vietnam in establishing the best safety standards.

Emphasizing the importance of this visit, Mr. Olivier Brochet, French Ambassador to Vietnam, also affirmed that the visit of the EDF delegation demonstrates France's commitment and desire to accompany Vietnam in the energy transition process and enhance energy security through providing solutions that meet the highest international standards.

Vietnam is moving towards developing clean energy, especially renewable energy, to ensure sustainable supply. In this context, EDF and Vietnam Electricity (EVN) have been implementing many cooperation programs on energy transition towards the goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

The partnership includes exchange activities on innovation, change management, new technologies related to decarbonization and efficiency of the power system managed by EVN. The programme is implemented in the form of a series of workshops, training courses and study tours.