Vietnam and Russia Commit to Nuclear Power Cooperation at Ninh Thuan 1

Vietnam and the Russian Federation have formally committed to cooperation on nuclear power development following the signing of an intergovernmental agreement witnessed on 23 March 2026. The agreement, concluded during Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s official visit to Russia, sets the framework for building Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant at Ninh Thuan 1. According to the official announcement, the project is positioned as part of Vietnam’s long-term energy strategy to diversify supply and support sustainable growth.

Intergovernmental agreement sets cooperation framework

The agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation establishes the legal and technical basis for cooperation on constructing a nuclear power plant on Vietnamese territory. It is intended to underpin bilateral collaboration on the Ninh Thuan 1 project, marking a significant step in Vietnam–Russia energy relations.

The signing also follows strategic directions outlined in the joint statement on Vietnam–Russia relations for a new phase of cooperation, highlighted during General Secretary To Lam’s official visit to Russia in May 2025. The agreement is presented as a practical step to translate these broader commitments into an implementable project.

Ninh Thuan 1 and Vietnam’s long-term energy strategy

The Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant is planned as part of Vietnam’s long-term strategy to diversify energy sources, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and support cleaner and more sustainable power generation. The project is expected to include two reactor units with a combined capacity of around 2,400 MW.

The reactors are planned to use VVER-1200 technology developed by Russia’s state atomic energy corporation Rosatom, incorporating modern safety systems. Vietnamese authorities have framed the project as contributing not only to energy security but also to broader economic development through technology cooperation and skills development.

Technology transfer and industrial capability building

Beyond electricity generation, the agreement places emphasis on technology transfer, technical support and capacity building for Vietnamese enterprises. Russian involvement is expected to extend to training, equipment supply and longer-term support for developing a domestic nuclear power ecosystem.

This approach aligns with Vietnam’s broader efforts to strengthen advanced technology capabilities across multiple sectors, including digital and emerging technologies. Similar ambitions can be seen in areas such as artificial intelligence investment, space technology development and expanding international cooperation, including technology collaboration with the European Union.

Next steps in project implementation

Following the signing ceremony, the heads of the Vietnamese and Russian government negotiating teams held a working session to discuss implementation plans. The Vietnamese delegation was led by Nguyen Hoang Long, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade, while the Russian side was represented by Nikolay Spassky, Deputy Director General of Rosatom.

Both sides agreed to coordinate closely on subsequent steps to advance the Ninh Thuan 1 project in line with the newly signed agreement. Further details on timelines and implementation arrangements are expected to be developed through continued bilateral discussions.