Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs the Steering Committee meeting on nuclear power plant construction. Photo: Nhat Bac
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has designated the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) as the lead investor for Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant and the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN) as the lead investor for Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant.
Accelerating Vietnam’s nuclear energy development
Speaking at the second meeting of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction on February 4, Prime Minister Chinh emphasized that nuclear power is a critical national project requiring strategic investment and political commitment.
"This is a complex and sensitive issue that demands concentrated efforts and intellectual resources from all sectors of the political system," he stated.
To streamline the process, the Prime Minister ordered the immediate restructuring of the Steering Committee by adding new members and establishing a dedicated task force under the Ministry of Industry and Trade. This team will operate efficiently, ensuring specialized oversight of the project.
Legal and policy framework adjustments
The Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked with expediting amendments to the Atomic Energy Law, with a draft expected to be submitted to the National Assembly during its ninth session. The revisions will focus on decentralization, accountability, and reducing administrative red tape to enhance efficiency.
Prime Minister Chinh stressed that all relevant ministries must propose the most effective policies and mechanisms to accelerate project implementation by February 15. The Ministry of Industry and Trade will consolidate these recommendations and present them to the government for submission to the National Assembly.
Project timeline and foreign partnerships
EVN Chairman Dang Hoang An and PVN Chairman Le Manh Hung. Photo: Nhat Bac
The government aims to complete the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plants by December 31, 2031, with an ambitious target of finishing by December 31, 2030, to coincide with the 85th anniversary of Vietnam’s independence and the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
EVN and PVN must immediately dispatch teams in February to negotiate with foreign partners, ensuring backup options are in place. The final project scale, capacity, and investment budget will be determined based on these negotiations and updated economic conditions.
Regarding procurement, the Prime Minister stressed that transparency and anti-corruption measures must be upheld, whether through competitive bidding or direct contractor selection.
Human resources and infrastructure readiness
A comprehensive review of Vietnam’s existing nuclear power expertise will be conducted, with additional training programs developed to ensure a qualified workforce. The government will also allocate funds from the 2025 contingency budget, with required documentation to be completed before February 15.
Ninh Thuan province has been instructed to fast-track land clearance and resettlement efforts, with the Ministry of Finance ensuring adequate budget allocation. The goal is to complete all resettlement activities by 2025, providing better living conditions for displaced residents.
Additionally, the province is urged to attract public-private partnerships for infrastructure development, including the expansion of Thanh Son Airport.
Chairman of the Ninh Thuan Provincial People's Committee, Tran Quoc Nam. Photo: Nhat Bac
Strategic planning and oversight
The Ministry of Industry and Trade must submit an updated version of Power Development Plan 8, incorporating nuclear power adjustments, by February 28, 2025. The revised plan must balance national interests, social equity, and regional development priorities, with a focus on allocating energy projects to disadvantaged areas.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son will directly oversee the project, holding monthly progress reviews to ensure accountability and timely execution.
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Project details
The Ninh Thuan nuclear power project comprises two plants, each featuring two reactor units:
Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant – located in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District.
Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant – located in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District.
Since the first Steering Committee meeting on January 15, several key initiatives have been launched, including:
The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s review of Power Development Plan 8 to reintegrate nuclear power.
Preparations for renegotiating agreements with international partners.
The Ministry of Science and Technology’s proposal to amend the Atomic Energy Law and develop a national research program on nuclear technology and safety.
Ninh Thuan Province’s establishment of a local Steering Committee and implementation of action plans for land clearance and resettlement.
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