Vietnam Pushes Ninh Thuận Nuclear Power Plant Toward 2035 Operation

Vietnam aims to have its first nuclear power plant, Ninh Thuận 1, in commercial operation by 2035. The project, led by Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Petrovietnam, is confronting major challenges in legal frameworks, financing, technology and human resources.

At a national nuclear regulatory conference in late July, EVN officials outlined five solution groups, including finalising a special legal mechanism, strengthening project management, securing land and resettlement, training over 2,000 staff and enhancing safety and security protocols. The Ministry of Science and Technology’s Radiation Safety Agency highlighted the need to complete the 2025 Atomic Energy Law and accompanying regulations for the full plant lifecycle, from site approval to decommissioning. Both agencies reported shortages of experienced experts and limited technical infrastructure, prompting accelerated training programmes and the establishment of specialist review teams.

Resolutions passed by the Vietnamese Parliament (Nos. 174/2024/QH15 and 189/2025/QH15) reaffirm the nuclear investment policy and call for special mechanisms to support the project, reinforcing the government’s commitment to meeting the 2035 target.