Strategy approved for peaceful development, application of atomic energy

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung has signed a decision to approve the strategy for the development and application of atomic energy for peaceful purposes through 2035, with a vision to 2050.

The decision affirms developing and applying atomic energy for peaceful purposes will become a techno-economic sector, helping enhance national capacity and standing, advancing scientific and technological capabilities, and improving people’s quality of life, with an appropriate roadmap towards building a full-fledged atomic energy industry.

The development and application of atomic energy, including nuclear power, is defined as a consistent and strategic policy implemented under a long-term vision and a comprehensive approach covering institutional framework, infrastructure, technology, finance and human resources. The strategy aims to leverage national potential and latecomer advantages to master technologies, strengthen internal capacity, and build a complete, proper and timely institutional framework alongside a highly skilled workforce to ensure strategic autonomy and sustainable development.

Atomic energy activities must ensure the highest standards of safety and security for people, the environment and society, while fostering a strong culture of safety and security as the foundation of all operations.

The State will play a guiding role by ensuring safety, investing in strategic infrastructure, strengthening national capacity, promoting public – private partnerships and private investment, and encouraging enterprises to participate in technology research, development, application and mastery in the atomic energy sector.

The strategy targets enhanced international integration and cooperation, full implementation of international commitments, and closer collaboration with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Public communications will be strengthened to raise awareness and build social consensus, alongside comprehensive digital transformation in management, research, development, application and training related to atomic energy.

By 2035, atomic energy applications are expected to safely support socio-economic development, environmental protection and national energy security, contributing to the country’s efforts towards net-zero emissions by 2050. Nuclear power plants will be operated safely and efficiently, while radiation and radioisotope application will be expanded across economic and technical sectors and institutional capacity strengthened.

The strategy aims to complete and safely operate the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plants by 2035, with domestic firms participating in about 30% of construction and installation value of supporting components. At least one plant using the small modular reactor technology is also targeted.

The economic value of radiation and radioisotope applications in sectors are aimed to grow by 10–15% annually, with radiation medicine reaching advanced ASEAN standards and wider adoption of modern diagnostic and treatment equipment.

Vietnam plans to master advanced nuclear and radiation technologies in construction quality management, product quality management, industrial process optimisation, and material processing and modification. It also looks to develop domestic production of selected equipment.

In terms of nuclear scientific and technological capacity, the strategy envisages the development of a system of advanced research institutions by 2035, including two national key laboratories focusing on nuclear power technology and rare earth, uranium and titanium technologies, along with three to five advanced laboratories. Four to five research groups are expected to achieve mastery of selected nuclear technologies supporting nuclear power projects and research reactors. Three to five university-level nuclear power training institutions will be upgraded to advanced international standards.

By 2050, atomic energy is expected to become an important techno-economic sector supporting energy security, green growth and sustainable development. Nuclear power is aimed to account for 6–8% of national electricity output, with four additional large-scale reactors and 10–15 small modular reactors developed in line with economic and technical conditions./.