Vietnam’s return to partnership with Russia’s Rosatom signals a pivotal moment in its journey toward integrating nuclear energy into its national power landscape. After years of hesitation, marked by economic, political, and safety concerns, Vietnam is actively reigniting its ambition to include nuclear power as a cornerstone for its future electricity supply. This renewed collaboration is far beyond the mere construction of reactors; it encompasses a broad, forward-looking framework spanning nuclear science, technology, education, and infrastructure development planned through the next decade.
The driving force behind Vietnam’s nuclear revival is the relentless expansion of its industrial base, which is propelling electricity demand to unprecedented levels. Traditional energy sources such as hydropower, coal, and natural gas are straining under growing environmental pressures, capacity limits, and rising costs. Nuclear energy emerges as a promising alternative, offering a stable, large-scale, and low-carbon solution that aligns with Vietnam’s long-term economic growth and environmental sustainability goals. For over ten years, nuclear plans were shelved due to legislative barriers tied to concerns over cost-effectiveness and safety. Now, Vietnam’s government is determined to surmount those hurdles by leveraging Rosatom’s expertise and financial support, symbolizing a serious comeback in nuclear development.
At the heart of this revitalized partnership is a strategic roadmap jointly devised by Rosatom and Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology, charting a course through 2030. This comprehensive plan highlights building nuclear science and engineering infrastructure, notably the establishment of a nuclear science and technology center equipped with a research reactor. This center will play a crucial role in both advancing scientific research and developing a skilled domestic workforce capable of managing nuclear operations securely. Vietnam’s historical experience with its Dalat research reactor, constructed with Russian assistance in the 1980s, sets the stage for this renewed venture. The roadmap also focuses on providing continuous fuel supply and upgrading the existing reactor, reinforcing the scientific camaraderie between the two nations and ensuring Vietnam gains technological autonomy alongside physical power generation assets.
Another critical element involves constructing nuclear power plants using Rosatom’s AES-2006 reactor design, considered state-of-the-art and suited for Vietnam’s needs. The first pilot nuclear power plant is slated for Phuoc Dinh in Ninh Thuan province, chosen for its favorable geological and environmental characteristics. Past efforts faced significant setbacks, including a national assembly rejection in 2016 due to financial concerns. However, the revised national power strategy has reignited momentum, reflecting Vietnam’s urgent need to expand its power generation capacity—potentially tripling it over the next 15 years—to satisfy burgeoning industrial and residential electricity demands. Here Rosatom’s financial involvement is crucial, with Russia expressing willingness to provide substantial loans, alleviating Vietnam’s economic burden and enabling steady progress on this flagship project.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the partnership deepens its impact through human capital development and knowledge exchange. Over the years, more than 400 Vietnamese students have pursued nuclear science and engineering studies in Russia thanks to Rosatom’s support. This educational foundation is instrumental in maintaining high operational safety standards and reliability in Vietnam’s nuclear technologies. The collaboration anticipates ongoing personnel training, professional development, and joint research initiatives, further solidifying the nuclear sector’s technical base. Equipment transfers, including maritime research vessels, and shared scientific undertakings broaden the relationship’s scope, ensuring a multifaceted and resilient approach to nuclear energy innovation and deployment.
Even as Vietnam presses forward, challenges persist. Public perception and safety concerns remain sensitive issues that require transparent communication and trust-building to ensure broad societal backing. The cooperation with Russia also unfolds amid a complex geopolitical landscape, particularly given ongoing global tensions and sanctions against Moscow. Rosatom has openly criticized U.S. sanctions targeting its officials as politically charged, highlighting the delicate international environment surrounding this collaboration. Vietnam must therefore navigate these geopolitical tensions carefully to prevent nuclear development from becoming a pawn in broader international conflicts, balancing its pressing energy ambitions with diplomatic prudence.
Despite these complexities, Vietnam’s renewed commitment to its nuclear program with Russia’s support exemplifies a strategic vision centered on energy security and sustainable economic expansion. The multi-dimensional agreements spanning power plant construction, fuel supply, research, and education illustrate a comprehensive and long-term approach to cultivating a sustainable nuclear energy industry. By 2030, this framework could position Vietnam as a significant regional player in nuclear power, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and underpinning its industrial growth trajectory with a reliable electricity base.
Vietnam’s recent agreements with Rosatom close a chapter of uncertainty and open a new era of nuclear integration within its energy portfolio. Far from being a simple matter of plant construction, the collaboration embraces an entire ecosystem of scientific research, workforce training, and technology development oriented toward national energy resilience and environmental goals. While economic challenges, safety concerns, and geopolitical factors will require ongoing attention, the roadmap agreed upon signals Vietnam’s readiness to commit decisively to nuclear power as a foundational element of its future electric grid and industrial capacity. This partnership reflects a broader, forward-looking strategy designed to secure a stable, clean, and sufficient electricity supply essential for sustaining Vietnam’s rapid development and modernization ambitions.
发表回复