Push for early implementation of Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects
Both plants are required to begin operations during the 2030–2035 period.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Politburo, the Party's supreme decision-making body, has called for the early implementation of the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power projects with suitable partners, aiming to bring them into operation between 2030 and 2035.
The design of the Ninh Thuan nuclear project. File photo
The directive is outlined in Resolution 70 on national energy security through 2030 with a vision to 2045, signed on August 20 by Party General Secretary To Lam on behalf of the Politburo.
Under the resolution, the Politburo requested that the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 projects be restarted with appropriate partners, ensuring the highest benefits for Vietnam while taking into account previous agreements. Both plants are required to begin operations during the 2030–2035 period.
Vietnam is reviving its nuclear power program, with the Ninh Thuan 1 plant located in Phuoc Dinh Commune, and the Ninh Thuan 2 plant in Vinh Hai Commune.
The Vietnam National Industry & Energy Group (PVN) and the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) are designated as the respective investors.
The government has prepared a special mechanism to support investment in the Ninh Thuan projects.
Under this plan, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will work with relevant parties to negotiate and sign international treaties with partners on investment cooperation.
The agreements are expected to be completed by September for Ninh Thuan 1 and by December for Ninh Thuan 2.
The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for negotiating and finalizing treaties with partners on credit provision for the two projects.
The process is targeted for completion in September for Ninh Thuan 1 and by March 2026 for Ninh Thuan 2.
Both EVN and PVN must submit revised investment proposals for approval by the competent authorities.
These are scheduled to be reviewed during the National Assembly session in October–November 2025 for Ninh Thuan 1, and no later than May 2026 for Ninh Thuan 2.
Afterward, the State Appraisal Council, led by the Ministry of Finance, will assess the projects and submit them to the Prime Minister for final approval in 2026.
Beyond the two plants, the Politburo also directed the development of a broader nuclear power program, including flexible-scale projects and small modular reactors.
The plan calls for increased investment in research and the development of nuclear energy technologies, with the long-term goal of mastering nuclear power technology, including reactor design and advanced technologies.
The initiative must be tailored to Vietnam’s conditions, ensuring absolute safety and security while maximizing overall socio-economic efficiency.
The Politburo also encouraged both state-owned enterprises and private firms to participate in the development of small modular nuclear reactors.
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Resolution 70's main objectives: · Ensure national energy security by providing sufficient, stable, and high-quality energy, while cutting emissions to support socio-economic growth, safeguard defense and security, improve living standards, and protect the environment. · Advance a gradual energy transition that meets national development needs and fulfills international commitments, with balanced growth across sub-sectors and integrated, smart infrastructure reaching advanced ASEAN standards. · Build a competitive, transparent, and efficient energy market consistent with Vietnam’s socialist-oriented market economy. · Maximize the efficient use of domestic energy resources while managing imports and exports strategically, and promote energy efficiency and conservation nationwide. · Expand domestic production of key energy equipment and develop modern, intelligent transmission and distribution grids. |
