Government unveils major plan to develop nuclear energy by 2035 after agreement with Russia

The proposal was approved by Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung under Decision No. 624/QD-TTg dated April 6, 2026. The plan is designed to ensure adequate capacity, resources, and a rational organizational structure for the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, enabling centralized and unified state management of radiation safety, nuclear safety, and nuclear security. It also aims to support management autonomy and alignment with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and international treaties Vietnam has joined.

Main objectives for staffing and autonomy

Under the proposal, the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority is set to expand its workforce and operational capacity in phases:

• By 2030: at least 288 staff, including 150 civil servants and 138 contract staff.
• By 2035: at least 388 staff, including 220 civil servants and 168 contract staff. In that year, the Authority is expected to autonomously handle 70% of its capacity for appraisal and safety supervision of nuclear power projects, and 100% for nuclear research reactor projects.

Planned tasks and solutions

To meet these targets, the plan outlines measures including consolidating functions, duties, organizational structure, and staffing; enhancing technical support capacity; implementing digital transformation and modern governance; strengthening international cooperation; and building the ability to respond to incidents while ensuring nuclear security.

Related government decisions and international cooperation

Earlier, on March 16, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung signed Decision No. 438/QD-TTg approving the Strategy for the development and peaceful use of atomic energy until 2035, with a vision to 2050. The strategy aims to develop and apply atomic energy safely and securely to support socio-economic development, improve living standards, protect the environment, and ensure national energy security, contributing to Net Zero 2050.

Exactly one week later, on March 23, 2026, a signing ceremony took place for a bilateral agreement between the Government of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation on cooperation to build a nuclear power plant on Vietnamese soil. The ceremony was witnessed by the prime ministers of both countries. The document was signed by Rosatom’s Director General Alexey Likhachev and Vietnam’s Minister and Head of the Government Office Tran Van Son.

Russian media reported that Russia selected the Leningrad-2 nuclear power plant (Units 1 and 2 in operation) as the model project for Ninh Thuan 1 in Vietnam. The reported plan is for Russia to bring advanced 3+ generation VVER-1200 reactor technology to Vietnam. The total capacity of the two units is 2,400 MW.

“We view this not only as an agreement to build two reactor units, but as a foundation for a long-term industrial partnership, meaning increased energy independence for Vietnam and new opportunities for economic growth,” said Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev after signing the agreement.