HCMC – Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 would become Vietnam’s first two nuclear power plants when they are up and running by 2035.
This roadmap was mentioned in Decision No. 438/QD-TTg issued on March 16 by the prime minister to approve the strategy for the development and peaceful application of nuclear energy through 2035, with a vision toward 2050.
Under the strategy, the Government will complete the construction of Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear plants within the next decade. The strategy also highlights the deployment of at least one Small Modular Reactor (SMR) project by 2035.
Looking further toward 2050, nuclear power is projected to contribute between 6% and 8% of national electricity output, supported by an expanded fleet of four large-scale reactors and 10 to 15 SMRs.
The strategy also places a heavy emphasis on medical and industrial applications of radiation and radioisotopes. By 2035, Vietnam targets a medical radiation infrastructure equivalent to advanced ASEAN nations, aiming for 20 CT scanners, 10 MRI machines, and 1 to 2 linear accelerators per million people.
The medical sector will focus on expanding radiotherapy and nuclear medicine networks nationwide, ensuring that people in all regions have access to advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. Domestic research and production of radiopharmaceuticals will be ramped up to reduce reliance on imports.
To support this atomic ecosystem, Vietnam will invest in two national key laboratories focusing on nuclear power, rare earths, and titanium technologies. The plan includes developing three to five world-class university programs dedicated to nuclear engineering to build a high-quality workforce.
