Urges Expedition of Nuclear Power Project Site Cleanup in Ninh Thuan, Scheduled for 2025 by Deputy Prime Minister
Vietnam Pushes Forward with Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project
The Vietnamese Government is making significant strides in the development of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, aiming to complete the site clearance, land acquisition, and resettlement for the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 Nuclear Power Plant projects by the end of 2025.
The project, which involves the construction of two nuclear power plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2, has been given the green light by the Politburo, with the National Assembly issuing Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15 for its implementation. A steering committee, chaired by the Prime Minister, has been established to manage the construction projects.
Vietnam Electricity (EVN) will develop Ninh Thuan 1, while the Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group (Petrovietnam) will build Ninh Thuan 2. The Khanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee is responsible for executing the resettlement and site clearance work.
The tight deadlines for site clearance and resettlement are August 2025 for Ninh Thuan 1 and May 2026 for Ninh Thuan 2. The government has issued official directives stressing the urgency, involving multiple ministries, the Khanh Hoa provincial authorities, EVN, and Petrovietnam to accelerate progress and resolve bottlenecks in these processes.
However, the immense and complex workload required to complete resettlement and site clearance within the tight timeframe presents a significant challenge. Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the need for intense focus and collaboration across central ministries and local authorities to overcome obstacles related to relocation, negotiations with affected residents, and legal compliance, including unifying residential safety buffer zone regulations.
To address regulatory issues, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) has been tasked to review and possibly amend Circular No. 13/2009/TT-BKHCN by August 2025, ensuring alignment with international atomic safety guidelines and best practices from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). This effort is intended to clarify safety standards for residential areas around the nuclear power plant site and streamline implementation for the locality.
Public support for the projects has been generally positive, as they align with national goals of energy security, clean energy transition, and commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. To ensure progress stays on track, strong focus and concerted efforts are required from all units, especially support from ministries and agencies in addressing obstacles.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is assigned to coordinate closely with relevant ministries, agencies, EVN, and Petrovietnam for active negotiations with foreign partners for the nuclear power project. The steering committee for nuclear power plant construction is also tasked with collaborating with the Party Central Committee's Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation to develop communication plans and strengthen coordination mechanisms.
Deputy PM Son also highlighted the importance of ensuring effective site clearance and resettlement for the Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, towards promptly stabilising the livelihoods of relocated households in their new residences. The MoIT has also been requested to coordinate with the Ministry of Justice, the Khanh Hoa provincial People's Committee, and other relevant agencies to review matters requiring adjustments and report to the PM for submission to the appropriate authorities.
These developments signify a critical phase in advancing Vietnam’s first nuclear power plants amid tight schedules and complex social and regulatory challenges.
- The ongoing progress of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project in Vietnam showcases the country's dedication to the advancement of science and technology, as well as environmental-science, especially in the realm of climate-change mitigation.
- The nuclear power plant projects, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2, are not only significant for Vietnam's energy sector, but also for the global renewable-energy industry, given the country's commitment to clean energy transition and net-zero emissions by 2050.
- The success of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, with its tight deadlines and complex challenges, will likely influence policy-and-legislation and industry practices, both domestically and abroad.
- As finance plays a crucial role in the implementation of such projects, it is expected that there will be increased investment opportunities in the energy and manufacturing sectors, particularly in countries that are committed to clean energy solutions.
- The general-news media will closely follow the developments of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, given its implications for politics and international relations, as well as its potential impact on global climate-change efforts.
- The effective implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, with its focus on safety, environmental concerns, and social responsibility, will serve as a model for future nuclear energy projects, demonstrating Vietnam's capacity to manage large-scale, technologically advanced projects in the best interests of its people and the global community.
