Resolution 70, concerning national energy security until 2030 with a vision to 2045, was signed on 20/8 by General Secretary To Lam on behalf of the politburo.

The politburo has called for the prompt implementation of the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power projects. These projects should be undertaken with appropriate partners, ensuring Vietnam's best interests, considering previous agreements. The goal is to have these plants operational between 2030 and 2035.

Vietnam is restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. The Ninh Thuan 1 plant is located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district, while Ninh Thuan 2 is in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district. EVN and PVN are the respective investors for these two plants.

The government has formulated a plan to implement a special mechanism for investing in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with negotiating and signing international treaties with partners for investment and construction of the two projects. This is targeted for completion in September for Ninh Thuan 1 and December for Ninh Thuan 2.

The Ministry of Finance will negotiate, finalize procedures, and sign international treaties with partners for providing credit to both projects. They aim to complete this by September for Ninh Thuan 1 and March 2026 for Ninh Thuan 2.

EVN and PVN must submit dossiers requesting approval for adjustments to the investment policy for consideration by the relevant authorities. This is expected to be completed during the National Assembly session in October-November 2025 for Ninh Thuan 1 and by May 2026 for Ninh Thuan 2. Following this, the State Appraisal Council (chaired by the Ministry of Finance) will appraise and submit the investment projects and locations to the prime minister for approval in 2026.

In addition to the two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan, the politburo also requested the development of a nuclear power program with flexible scales and small modular reactors. The government needs to increase investment in atomic energy research and development, gradually mastering nuclear power technology including reactor technology, and selecting advanced technologies.

According to the politburo's resolution, this must be suitable for Vietnam's conditions, ensuring absolute security and safety, and optimizing overall socio-economic efficiency, while also encouraging state-owned and private enterprises to participate in developing small modular reactors.

Phuong Dung