Deputy Prime Minister Presses for 2025 Completion of On-Site Preparations for the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project
Vietnam's Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project Progresses Amid Challenges
Vietnam's Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants, located in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, are making steady progress in the site clearance and pre-feasibility study phase. The project, which aims to contribute to the country's clean energy and net-zero goals, is being closely monitored and overseen by a steering committee chaired by the Prime Minister.
The Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee is responsible for the resettlement and site clearance activities, with a mandate to complete these tasks by the end of 2025. Vietnam Electricity (EVN) will develop Ninh Thuan 1, while Petrovietnam will develop Ninh Thuan 2. The National Assembly passed Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15 to establish special mechanisms and policies to facilitate the nuclear power projects.
The timeline for the completion of various milestones is as follows:
- Site clearance completion: By end of 2025
- Ninh Thuan 1 study completion: September 2025
- Ninh Thuan 2 study completion: June 2026
- Intergovernmental agreements: August 2025 (Ninh Thuan 1), May 2026 (Ninh Thuan 2)
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is coordinating closely with relevant ministries, agencies, EVN, and Petrovietnam to negotiate intergovernmental agreements with foreign partners for the nuclear power project. The MoIT has also been requested to review matters requiring adjustments and report to the Prime Minister for submission to the appropriate authorities.
Challenges remain, particularly in resolving legal issues arising from outdated regulations and addressing resettlement plans due to the proposed expansion of the non-resident isolation zone. The Ministry of Science and Technology has been tasked with reviewing legal regulations, IAEA safety guidelines, international standards, and practices to establish a unified regulation on the safe distance from residential areas.
The steering committee for nuclear power plant construction is working closely with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation to develop communication plans and strengthen coordination mechanisms. Deputy PM Bui Thanh Son praised the proactive efforts of the Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee in completing assigned tasks and engaging in public outreach.
The Government and the Party are focusing on developing the two nuclear power plants to support clean and green energy sources and national energy security. The Ministry of Finance will work with the provincial People's Committee to review the total funding required for resettlement and site clearance, propose central budget support, and report to the PM before August 10, 2025. The government aims to complete land inventory and handover to investors by December 2025 to enable construction commencement thereafter.
In conclusion, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is progressing but faces legal and resettlement challenges that require resolution to stay on schedule. Strong focus and concerted efforts are required from all units, especially support from ministries and agencies, to ensure progress stays on track as directed by the Prime Minister.
- The progress of Vietnam's Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project, located in the south-central province of Khanh Hoa, is also significant for the country's medical-conditions, as it aims to contribute to clean energy, supporting better health outcomes for the citizens.
- The nuclear power industry is not only focusing on environmental-science aspects, but also on the finance and business side, with the Ministry of Finance working closely with the provincial People's Committee to review funding requirements for resettlement and site clearance.
- As technology advances, the government is working on establishing unified regulations in the field of science and technology, with the Ministry of Science and Technology reviewing legal regulations, IAEA safety guidelines, international standards, and practices to establish a safe distance from residential areas for the nuclear power plants.
- The Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project is not only a matter of national interest, but also of general-news importance, with the Steering Committee for nuclear power plant construction working closely with the Ministry of Education and Self-Development to develop communication plans and strengthen coordination mechanisms, ensuring that the public is well-informed about the project's progress.
