HCMC – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has assigned Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) and Petrovietnam (PVN) to build Vietnam’s first two nuclear power plants, with EVN responsible for Ninh Thuan 1 and PVN for Ninh Thuan 2.
The decision was announced today, February 4, during the second meeting of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction. Each plant will feature two reactors, with Ninh Thuan 1 to be located in Phuoc Dinh, Thuan Nam District, and Ninh Thuan 2 in Vinh Hai, Ninh Hai District.
While the official deadline for completion is December 31, 2031, the PM urged the project to be complete one year earlier than planned, just in time to mark the 85th anniversary of the country’s Independence and the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
He told ministries, agencies, and local authorities to adhere to the timeline strictly.
Chinh emphasized the importance of foreign partnerships, directing EVN and PVN to initiate negotiations with international partners this month, in accordance with guidelines from the Party Central Committee, Politburo and National Assembly. The Government has also mandated the selection of backup partners to mitigate risks.
Funding has been allocated, with plans to access 2025 reserve capital by February 15. The Government stressed the need for transparency in contractor selection to prevent irregularities.
Authorities will also focus on recruiting and retraining personnel with nuclear energy expertise. Incentives will be offered to attract highly qualified professionals for key roles.
Vietnam has revived its nuclear energy plans after an eight-year hiatus. The National Assembly approved the resumption of the project during its eighth session.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade is required to submit an adjusted power development plan by February 28, while other ministries will oversee finance, land clearance, environmental assessments, and workforce development.
