Vietnam - World Nuclear Outlook Report
Nuclear policy and outlook
In November 2024 the National Assembly voted to resume the Ninh Thuận nuclear power project, cancelled in 2016. It comprises two plants, Ninh Thuận I in Phuoc Dinh and Ninh Thuận II in Vinh Hai, each of at least 2000 MWe.
The April 2025 revision of the National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8) anticipates 4000-6400 MWe of nuclear capacity coming online at Ninh Thuận I&II in 2030-2035. The revised PDP8 also presents the government's 'vision to 2050', in which nuclear power reaches 10,500-14,000 by 2050.
A March 2026 atomic energy strategy targets completion of both plants by 2035 and a 6-8% nuclear share of generation by 2050.
For Ninh Thuận I, Vietnamese engineering company PECC2 and Rosatom agreed in September 2025 to update the feasibility study. A March 2026 intergovernmental agreement with Russia covers two VVER-1200 units, with Leningrad II as the reference plant; it was ratified in August 2026, and site clearance and population resettlement are underway.
Japan withdrew from the Ninh Thuận II project in January 2026, citing the tight timeline. In April 2026 KEPCO, Korea Eximbank and K-Sure agreed with PetroVietnam to explore Korean financing. A partner is due to be selected in the third quarter of 2026 for commissioning by 2035.
Eight potential sites of 4-6 GWe each have been identified across five central provinces. Beyond Phuoc Dinh and Vinh Hai in Ninh Thuận province, locations under review are in Quang Ngai, Binh Dinh, Phu Yen, and Ha Tinh provinces.
The national atomic energy strategy approved in March 2026 includes a target to implement at least one project using SMR technology by 2035.
Table Vi.1 Contributions to total capacity projection in 2050 (gross)
| 60 year operation (MWe) | 80 year operation (MWe) | Currently under construction capacity (MWe) | Planned capacity (MWe) | Proposed capacity (MWe) | Potential capacity (MWe) | Government capacity target (MWe) | Additional capacity* required to meet government target (MWe) | Total capacity (MWe) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | - | - | - | 6400 | - | 14,000 | 7600 | 14,000 |
| *Capacity additional to operable, under construction, planned, proposed and potential capacities required to meet the government target. | ||||||||
Readiness Assessment
Vietnam has strong policy commitment and solid institutional groundwork. Ninh Thuận I is advancing under the August 2026 agreement with Russia, but Ninh Thuận II lags behind after Japan's withdrawal, so reaching the 2035 target is unrealistic.
| Country Category | Restarter |
|---|---|
| Policy Framework Readiness | Moderate Nuclear is incorporated into the revised PDP8, new Atomic Energy Law, special implementation mechanisms and a quantified multi-unit programme. |
| Institutional & Infrastructure Readiness | Moderate-High Vietnam has extensive earlier nuclear preparation, established regulator and research infrastructure, and designated project owners. Regulatory capacity, independence and workforce still require substantial strengthening before construction. |
| Programme & Project Development | Low-Moderate Ninh Thuận I has a defined owner, site and technology, and an intergovernmental construction agreement with Russia approved by the National Assembly in August 2026; site clearance and contract preparation are active. Ninh Thuận II remains materially less mature, with no partner yet confirmed following Japan's withdrawal, although talks with KEPCO are advancing. |
| Target Achievability | Moderate Full operation of 4000-6,400 MWe by 2035 is inconsistent with the remaining licensing, financing and construction programme. First nuclear generation in the mid-to-late 2030s is considerably more credible. |