Vietnam and Russia Advance Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant Project
An intergovernmental agreement was signed on March 23, 2026, to facilitate the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Vietnam. The plant will feature two VVER-1200 reactors, with the new Leningrad units in Russia serving as the reference project for design and implementation. World Nuclear News reported on the agreement.
Agreement Details and Key Players
The signing ceremony took place during the official visit of Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Moscow. The agreement was signed by Alexey Likhachev, Director General of Rosatom, and Tran Van Son, Minister and Head of the Office of the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, in the presence of both prime ministers, Pham Minh Chinh and Mikhail Mishustin.
Mishustin emphasized that the creation of the nuclear plant would significantly boost cooperation in related fields, including high technologies, fundamental research, and applied research.
According to Rosatom, the intergovernmental agreement establishes the legal framework and key areas of cooperation for the project. The Leningrad NPP-2 units (units No. 1 and No. 2) will serve as the reference project for the Ninh Thuan 1 plant. Likhachev stated that the agreement represents a foundation for a long-term industrial partnership that will strengthen Vietnam’s energy independence and promote economic growth.
Historical Context and Revival of Nuclear Ambitions
Initial plans for a nuclear power plant in the Ninh Thuan province were approved in principle in 2009, too utilizing Russian VVER-1200 reactors. Though, the project was halted in 2016 due to “economic conditions.” Wikipedia notes that considerable preparatory work was undertaken before the postponement, including the relocation and upgrading of facilities for two villages.
Vietnam has since renewed its commitment to nuclear energy, citing energy security, development goals, and net-zero targets. The National Assembly approved the restart of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project in November 2024.
Project Scope and Timeline
The proposed Ninh Thuan nuclear power project encompasses two plants, each comprising two reactors. Ninh Thuan 1 is located in Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district, although Ninh Thuan 2 is situated in Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district. Wikipedia provides location details.
In February 2025, Vietnam’s prime minister set a target for completing the construction of the two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan province by the end of 2030.
Existing Russia-Vietnam Nuclear Cooperation
Russia and Vietnam have a history of collaboration in nuclear technology. This includes the development of plans for a Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology in Vietnam, which incorporates a Russian-designed research reactor. The Dalat research reactor, which utilizes Russian-supplied fuel, currently provides Vietnam with medical isotopes.