Conferences for Emerging Markets and Technologies

Vietnam’s Nuclear Power Program Resumes, Attracting Global Suppliers

Renewed plans for Vietnam’s first nuclear plants have set the stage for a competitive bidding process among leading international reactor vendors.

3 months ago 2 min read

Vietnamese and South Korean leaders meet in Seoul on August 11, 2025, affirming bilateral cooperation on nuclear technology as part of Vietnam’s revived nuclear energy program.

Vietnam’s decision to restart its nuclear energy program has created new opportunities for international suppliers and positioned the country as a focal point in Asia’s clean energy transition. The move is motivated by two long-term priorities: enhancing national energy security and meeting a net-zero target by 2050.

On 25 July 2025, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son visited the Da Lat Nuclear Reactor to highlight government backing for the sector. This visit was followed by a high-level meeting between Vietnamese and South Korean leaders, during which President Lee Jae Myung affirmed South Korea’s interest in contributing to Vietnam’s nuclear program. The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding covering cooperation in nuclear technology and training programs for Vietnamese engineers.

Multiple global vendors have expressed interest in the Vietnamese market, including Doosan Enerbility, NuScale Power, GE Hitachi, Westinghouse, and EDF. Industry analysts say that securing a project in Vietnam would offer suppliers long-term positioning in Southeast Asia’s growing energy market.

Vietnam’s plans call for the construction of two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan province, with a combined capacity of 4,000 megawatts. Electricity demand in the country is projected to rise 12–16% annually, and officials have indicated that renewable sources alone cannot meet this growth.

Experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and academic institutions such as Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have endorsed Vietnam’s decision, citing advantages in adopting advanced reactor designs and modern safety standards. By re-entering the nuclear sector now, Vietnam can benefit from technology improvements made since earlier projects were shelved.

The country’s re-engagement with nuclear power is expected to be a key point of discussion at the upcoming Nuclear Power Forum Asia 2025 in Manila, Philippines.