Russia’s Rosatom to provide advanced technology for Vietnam’s nuclear power project

Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held a phone conversation on Thursday with Alexey Likhachev, Rosatom’s director general, to discuss collaboration in Vietnam’s nuclear energy sector, including the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 plant in south-central Khanh Hoa Province.

The two leaders discussed ways to resolve outstanding technical issues in preparation for signing an intergovernmental agreement on the nuclear power project, which was restarted in late November 2024 after an eight-year hiatus.

During the conversation, PM Chinh asked Rosatom to continue supporting Vietnam’s strategic initiatives, including the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant and the country’s nuclear science and technology research center.

He stressed the importance of swiftly addressing remaining obstacles to allow for the prompt signing of the agreements and treaties needed for project implementation.

In response, Likhachev thanked Vietnam for trusting Russia as a partner in peaceful nuclear energy development.

He reaffirmed Rosatom’s commitment to fulfilling high-level agreements.

Likhachev confirmed that Rosatom will transfer technology, localize nuclear products, and support the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant with cutting-edge systems, along with other strategic projects.

He also announced that a Rosatom working team would be dispatched to Vietnam to resolve outstanding issues and accelerate cooperation.

PM Chinh called for collaboration in human resource training and in strengthening governance and state management capacity in the nuclear sector.

He emphasized the importance of investing in civilian nuclear applications, including nuclear medicine and irradiation.

Chinh directed relevant ministries and agencies to work closely with Russia and Rosatom to implement specific tasks in line with the laws of both countries and international conventions.

He also highlighted Russia’s historic contributions to Vietnam’s energy sector, including the training of generations of nuclear scientists and experts who laid the foundation for the country’s current nuclear power development.

Chinh stressed that Vietnam regards its comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia as a priority and seeks continued effective cooperation across all sectors, including nuclear energy, to benefit both countries and support regional and global stability.

He also praised recent high-level exchanges, including his meetings with the Russian president and prime minister, and emphasized the need to promptly implement key projects to meet Vietnam’s growing energy demands.

Chinh invited Likhachev to visit Vietnam soon.