EVN and Petrovietnam assigned to head up nuclear power plant project

In his conclusion at the second meeting of the Steering Committee for the construction of nuclear power plants on February 4, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assigned Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Petrovietnam as the investors of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants, respectively. 

Completion required by December 31, 2031

According to a report presented at the meeting, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project comprises two plants, each consisting of two reactors. Ninh Thuan 1 will be located in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District, while Ninh Thuan 2 will be situated in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District, in the south central province of Ninh Thuan.

Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính emphasized that the development of nuclear power and the construction of nuclear power plants—considered key national projects—is a major, complex and sensitive issue that requires focused effort, intellectual investment, and the mobilization of the entire political system.

Recognizing the strategic importance of the project, the Prime Minister directed that its completion timeline be accelerated compared to previous projections, setting a firm deadline of December 31, 2031, at the latest.

Regarding the selection of international partners, the Prime Minister instructed EVN, Petrovietnam, and relevant agencies to immediately dispatch working groups in February to negotiate with foreign partners, ensuring that backup partners are identified to prepare for all possible scenarios.

The scale, capacity, and total estimated investment capital of the plants will be determined based on negotiation results with partners and updated to align with current conditions before submission for approval by the competent authorities.

To ensure adequate human resources, agencies must urgently review and consolidate personnel who have been trained in nuclear power and related fields, provide additional training where necessary, and designate key figures such as the project’s chief commander and chief engineer., according to the Prime Minister's direction.

Funding for the project will be sourced from the contingency budget of 2025, with immediate procedures required to authorize its use. The provincial government must promptly initiate land clearance and resettlement efforts, ensuring adequate funding for relocation and livelihood stabilization for affected residents. Additionally, the province should promote public-private partnerships and attract investment for the civilian development of projected Thanh Son Airport.

Regulatory and administrative requirements

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) has been tasked by the PM with urgently submitting an adjustment to the Power Development Plan VIII concerning nuclear power, with a deadline of February 28.

The Prime Minister has also directed the prompt consolidation and expansion of the Steering Committee's membership and the establishment of a support team within the MoIT. This team will include experts and operate under the principles of efficiency, in-depth expertise, professionalism, and dedicated responsibility.

Additionally, he assigned the Ministry of Science and Technology to take the lead in swiftly finalizing the draft amendments to the Law on Atomic Energy. The revised law must be prepared for submission to the National Assembly during its upcoming ninth session, ensuring both speed and quality in the legislative process.

Meanwhile, relevant ministries and agencies are directed to strengthen cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), expedite the evaluation and approval of necessary procedures, and propose appropriate regulatory mechanisms and policies. The project’s contingency funding must be allocated according to legal provisions, with advance disbursements considered if needed—especially for land clearance and resettlement in Ninh Thuan.

The Ministry of Education and Training is responsible for planning human resource development for the project, while the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is tasked with assessing the project's environmental impact.

To oversee the project’s progress, the Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son to take direct charge of coordination efforts, convening monthly meetings to review, implement, and accelerate tasks with a clear mandate of defining responsibilities, timelines, and expected outcomes.