HCMC – Vietnam will broaden the use of nuclear energy beyond electricity production, extending the application of this source of energy to healthcare, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and industry, reported local media reports.
Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son signed Decision No. 245/QD-TTg on February 5, 2025, laying the groundwork for nuclear infrastructure development and regulatory improvements. The plan includes reviving the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project and advancing Vietnam’s nuclear capabilities across multiple sectors.
The national plan for atomic energy development extends through 2030, with a vision toward 2050.
By 2030, Vietnam aims to establish a regulatory framework aligned with international standards and strengthen oversight mechanisms to ensure nuclear safety. The Government also intends to expand the use of radiation and radioisotopes in healthcare, industry, and environmental protection.
In healthcare, nuclear technology will be used for medical imaging, cancer treatment, and radiotherapy. In environmental monitoring, applications will support meteorological tracking, water resource assessments, and geological surveys. The agriculture sector will use radiation techniques to develop new crop varieties, while the industrial sector will focus on producing domestic radiation detection equipment.
The decision also emphasizes investment in nuclear education and workforce training to develop a highly skilled labor force. Research institutions and technical support systems will be strengthened to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.
Vietnam will also seek international cooperation in nuclear technology development, financing, and knowledge exchange. Investment strategies are currently under review to ensure the long-term sustainability of the sector.