Vietnam is accelerating plans to revive nuclear power as rising electricity demand, industrial expansion and energy security concerns place increasing pressure on its power system. During the first half of 2026, commercial electricity sales exceeded 152.5 billion kWh, up 10.2 per cent year-on-year, while peak national demand reached 57,537 MW during the June heatwave. The growth reflects expanding manufacturing, urbanisation and the increasing electricity requirements of a more digital economy. Vietnam is seeking dependable, low-emission electricity to sustain economic growth and diversify its energy mix.
The country’s nuclear programme centres on the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 projects, which are planned to deliver a combined 4,000–6,400 MW of capacity. In March 2026, Vietnam and Russia signed an intergovernmental agreement to cooperate on Ninh Thuan 1, which is planned to use two Russian-designed VVER-1200 reactors with a combined capacity of approximately 2,400 MW. Vietnam Electricity (EVN) is responsible for Ninh Thuan 1, while Petrovietnam has been assigned Ninh Thuan 2. The government aims to bring both plants into operation by 2035.
Vietnam is also broadening its international partnerships to develop the technical expertise required for its nuclear programme. South Korea’s KEPCO and Petrovietnam signed a cooperation agreement in April 2026 and held further discussions in September regarding potential participation in Ninh Thuan 2. Russia remains a key partner in the development of Ninh Thuan 1, with cooperation expected to support technology deployment, engineering expertise and specialist training. By engaging international partners, Vietnam is seeking to build domestic capabilities and strengthen the supply chain needed for long-term nuclear development.
Energy security is a major driver of the renewed nuclear strategy. Vietnam’s rapid industrialisation is increasing pressure on generation capacity, while reliance on imported fuels exposes the country to international price fluctuations and supply disruptions. The article cites a potential electricity-capacity shortfall of up to 13,964 MW by 2030. Nuclear power could provide stable, low-carbon baseload generation alongside solar, wind, hydropower and other sources, helping to meet demand when renewable output fluctuates. However, delivering the programme will depend on timely project preparation, financing, grid upgrades and the development of a robust nuclear safety and regulatory framework.
Vietnam is also considering small modular reactors (SMRs) as part of its longer-term energy planning. These smaller reactor designs could offer additional options for industrial zones and other locations requiring reliable electricity, although their suitability will depend on technology maturity, cost, regulation and infrastructure requirements. Under its national strategy for the peaceful development and application of atomic energy, Vietnam aims to implement at least one SMR project by 2035. The strategy also seeks to strengthen the country’s nuclear infrastructure and prepare for future projects beyond the two Ninh Thuan plants.
The programme will require substantial investment and a skilled workforce. Vietnam’s power development plan envisages approximately US$136.3 billion in electricity-sector investment between 2026 and 2030, including funding for generation and transmission infrastructure. The nuclear programme is expected to create demand for engineers, plant operators, safety specialists, maintenance teams and regulatory professionals. The article estimates that around 4,000 personnel will be needed for direct operations at Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2, with approximately 700 requiring advanced training overseas. Vietnam’s long-term target is for nuclear power to contribute 6–8 per cent of national electricity output by 2050, positioning it as one component of a broader strategy to strengthen energy security and support economic growth.