The 7th National Conference on Nuclear Regulation, jointly organized by the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) under the Ministry of Science and Technology and the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province, took place on July 30. The conference was held as Vietnam is actively preparing to launch its nuclear power programme, invest in a new research reactor, and expand the peaceful application of atomic energy across various socio-economic sectors.
Minister of Science and Technology Vu Hai Quan delivers opening address at conference. Photo: Ng. Tuan
During a panel discussion on "State Management of Radiation and Nuclear Safety for Socio-economic Development," EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh said the Group is addressing three major challenges while implementing five key strategic measures in preparation for Vietnam's first nuclear power project.
The Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project is among the most technically and technologically demanding infrastructure projects ever undertaken in Vietnam, requiring the highest standards of nuclear safety. As the project owner, EVN is preparing comprehensively in terms of regulatory mechanisms, human resources, and project organization to ensure that the project is implemented on schedule, to the required quality standards, and with the highest level of safety.
Three major challenges
According to EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh, the first challenge concerns the regulatory framework and project implementation conditions. As Vietnam's first nuclear power project, the legal and regulatory system—including laws, decrees, circulars, regulations, technical standards, and implementation guidelines—must continue to be developed and refined to comply with the safety requirements and standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) while remaining compatible with the regulatory framework of the technology-supplying country. Given the pioneering nature of the project, many issues cannot yet be fully addressed under the existing legal framework. Therefore, project-specific mechanisms are needed to establish an enabling regulatory environment for implementation.
The second challenge relates to the project's substantial capital requirements, financing model, and credit arrangements, as well as the stringent requirements for schedule, quality, and risk management. Under the revised National Power Development Plan VIII (PDP VIII), the two generating units of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant are scheduled to be commissioned between 2030 and 2035. The project involves an enormous volume of work and, given its unique nature, places exceptionally high demands on technology, quality, and above all, safety. EVN is committed to ensuring that project implementation progresses on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of quality and rigorous risk management throughout both the preparation and execution phases.
The third challenge is workforce development and building public support. Nuclear power requires a highly skilled workforce with expertise in project management, finance, contract management, and plant operation. EVN is working closely with government ministries, agencies, and technology partners to develop a comprehensive workforce training programme for the nuclear power project. At the same time, effective public communication is essential to provide transparent information, build public confidence, and foster support among local authorities and communities in the project area.
EVN Vice President Nguyen Tai Anh (second from left) participates in panel discussion on "State Management of Radiation and Nuclear Safety for Socio-economic Development." Photo: Ng. Tuan
Five strategic measures
To address these challenges, EVN is implementing five key strategic measures.
The first focuses on improving project-specific mechanisms and the project management model, strengthening the Project Management Board, selecting qualified consultants, and leveraging the experience of international partners in nuclear power plant construction and operation. EVN is also continuing to work closely with government ministries and the nuclear regulatory authority to further develop the legal framework, technical regulations, and standards required for nuclear power development.
Regarding land acquisition and resettlement, EVN will coordinate with the People's Committee of Khanh Hoa Province—the government-designated agency responsible for the component project—to ensure the necessary conditions are in place for implementing the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project.
Another key priority is human resource development, technology transfer, and capability building. According to the EVN Vice President, effective technology transfer and the gradual strengthening of domestic capabilities will help reduce investment costs while enhancing Vietnam's long-term capacity to construct and operate nuclear power plants independently.
The final strategic measure focuses on providing transparent information and strengthening public communication to build public confidence. EVN will also work closely with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of National Defence to develop comprehensive security plans for both the project site and the future nuclear power plant.
Mr. Nguyen Tai Anh emphasized that the successful implementation of Vietnam's first nuclear power plant will require strong support from the Government and close coordination among ministries and agencies, particularly the Ministry of Science and Technology.
More than 2,000 personnel required
EVN leaders stressed that human resource development will be one of the decisive factors for the project's success. The Group is working with the Ministry of Education and Training, technology partners, and experienced organizations to develop a comprehensive workforce development programme.
Approximately 400 personnel will be required for project management, including staff from the Project Management Board and EVN's specialized departments covering engineering, construction, technology, environment, sustainable development, safety, legal affairs, and international cooperation.
For plant operation and maintenance, the projected workforce is 1,700–1,800 personnel. EVN is coordinating with educational institutions to train students in relevant disciplines, followed by specialized training, technology transfer, and operational instruction with the participation of the technology supplier.
Through comprehensive preparation in institutional arrangements, human resources, technology, and project management, EVN is laying the foundation for implementing the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project in accordance with the highest requirements for schedule, quality, and safety. The project will also serve as a crucial milestone in Vietnam's nuclear power development programme, contributing to national energy security and the country's long-term sustainable development goals.
Vu Ngoc Minh, Deputy Head of EVN's Construction Investment Management Department, presents his paper at conference. Photo: Ng. Tuan
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During the conference's second technical session on radiation and nuclear safety for nuclear power projects and research reactors, Vu Ngoc Minh, Deputy Head of EVN's Construction Investment Management Department, presented EVN's progress in preparing the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project.
EVN is currently carrying out project preparation activities in accordance with directives issued by the National Assembly, the Government, and the Prime Minister. These include preparing revised investment policy documentation, participating in negotiations on the intergovernmental agreement for the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant, and working with relevant ministries and agencies to assess Vietnam's nuclear infrastructure. The Group is also actively contributing to the development of nuclear legislation, technical regulations, standards, and workforce development plans for future plant operation.
EVN proposed strengthening early coordination between the project owner and the nuclear regulatory authority, establishing a regulatory roadmap aligned with the project schedule, promoting technical dialogue from the documentation preparation stage, and developing a dedicated nuclear regulatory workforce. The Group also recommended maintaining regular coordination meetings and enhancing transparency in licensing and review criteria to improve the efficiency of the regulatory review and licensing process.
EVN reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government authorities and international partners to ensure that the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Project is implemented in full compliance with Vietnamese law, international best practices, and the principles of safety, quality, and sustainable development.
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Translator: Thu Hường
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