Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand

Vietnam plans to reactivate its nuclear program, halted in 2016, to support rapid industrialization and meet increasing energy demands while aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.

Share:

Vietnam Revives Its Nuclear Program to Meet Growing Energy Demand

Vietnam, a rapidly industrializing nation with a population of 100 million, is seeking to revive its nuclear program. This initiative aims to address an anticipated 150% increase in energy demand, should the country pursue a double-digit economic growth target, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s statement to the National Assembly.

In 2016, Vietnam suspended two nuclear power plant projects in Ninh Thuan province, primarily due to financial constraints. At the time, the estimated costs of these infrastructures had doubled to $18 billion. The projects, supported by the Russian group Rosatom and the Japanese consortium JINED, proposed a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts. The government emphasized that the suspension was not due to technological issues but to the country’s economic limitations.

However, Vietnam’s energy outlook has since evolved. The country currently relies heavily on coal and hydropower to support its economy. Despite this dependence on fossil fuels, Vietnam has committed to achieving net carbon neutrality by 2050, with assistance from the Just Energy Transition Partnership. This mechanism enables developed nations to finance the transition of developing countries toward cleaner energy sources.

The revival of nuclear energy represents a strategic shift for Vietnam, blending sustainability and energy security goals. By aligning this initiative with its climate commitments, Vietnam demonstrates its intent to diversify its energy mix, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while supporting sustained economic growth.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe is asking the European Commission to review its $49bn investment to build Poland’s first nuclear power plant, a step required under the Euratom Treaty before any construction permit can be issued.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.