Ms. Aline Des Cloizeaux, Head of the Nuclear Energy Department at the IAEA’s Department of Nuclear Energy, handed over the preliminary INIR report draft to Deputy Minister of Science and Technology Lê Xuân Định – Photo: VGP/TG
From December 1st to 11th, the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST), led by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS), collaborated with relevant Vietnamese ministries and agencies to engage with a delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The purpose was to conduct a comprehensive review of Vietnam’s national nuclear infrastructure (Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission – INIR Mission).
The delegation, headed by Mr. Eric Mathet, Chief of the Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section at the IAEA, comprised 10 experts and 1 observer.
The primary objective of this mission was to assess Vietnam’s current nuclear infrastructure based on the IAEA’s Phase 2 evaluation criteria, which focuses on a country’s readiness to tender or negotiate contracts for its first nuclear power plant. The review aimed to identify areas requiring further action and provide recommendations for the Vietnamese government and relevant agencies to address gaps and limitations in the near future.
Over nearly two weeks in Vietnam, the experts engaged in direct discussions with representatives from MOST, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the Ministry of Education and Training, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Public Security, Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Group (PVN), and the People’s Committee of Khanh Hoa Province. The mission objectively and comprehensively reviewed all 19 aspects of nuclear power infrastructure.
The Vietnamese delegation and the INIR Mission team – Photo: VGP/TG
At the closing session, the INIR Mission concluded that Vietnam has made significant strides in restarting and accelerating the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant project, along with developing the necessary infrastructure.
Numerous solutions and decisions have been adopted at all levels, including the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, ministries, and relevant agencies. In 2025, Vietnam enacted the amended Atomic Energy Law and adopted special mechanisms to facilitate the implementation of nuclear power projects.
The preliminary INIR report draft includes 38 recommendations and 13 proposals, emphasizing areas requiring additional action to benefit Vietnam. These include strengthening the legal and regulatory frameworks for radiation safety, nuclear safety, security, and safeguards; implementing plans to enhance human resource capacity; preparing for the tendering and construction phases; developing a national strategy for the nuclear fuel cycle and radioactive waste management; and updating coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders.
The expert team identified two good practices in Vietnam that could serve as examples for countries developing nuclear power.
First, the National Assembly’s adoption of Resolution 189/2025/QH15 demonstrates a strong political commitment to the nuclear power program. It establishes special mechanisms to streamline investment procedures, expedite land clearance, expand capital mobilization, and select contractors, while enhancing coordination among ministries, sectors, and localities. The IAEA considers this a critical factor in ensuring the program’s timeline and sustainability.
Second, Vietnam has effectively leveraged existing environmental monitoring networks and expertise to support the preparation of the nuclear power project. This practice, recommended by the IAEA, enhances environmental assessment quality, increases transparency, and reduces project preparation time.
These practices highlight Vietnam’s systematic and internationally aligned approach to its nuclear power program, demonstrating a commitment to responsible and effective implementation.
According to the planned schedule, the IAEA and Vietnam will collaborate to finalize the INIR report draft in Q1/2026. The IAEA will submit the official report to the Vietnamese government in Q2/2026 after completing the necessary procedures.
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