Vietnam Breaks Ground on Its First Nuclear Power Plant, a Southeast Asian First
Vietnam approved its first nuclear plant in Ninh Thuan. Russia and Japan will help build it — a potential Southeast Asian first.
[Vietnam Breaks Ground on Its First Nuclear Power Plant, a Southeast Asian First]
▍ A Decade of Delays, Finally Moving Forward
Vietnam's National Assembly first approved nuclear power in 2009, but shelved the plan in 2016 over budget concerns. It took until late 2024 for the legislature to revive the project.
Before the vote, General Secretary To Lam visited Ninh Thuan province to inspect the construction site in person.
▍ Russia and Japan Step In
On January 15, Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin visited Vietnam and met with General Secretary To Lam, President Luong Cuong, and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Russia confirmed it would help build the first reactor. Reports also indicate that Japan will construct a second reactor at the same site.
▍ Why Ninh Thuan
The first nuclear plant will be located in Ninh Thuan province, just a two-hour drive from Nha Trang. The province's geography makes it a natural energy hub — it already hosts major wind and solar installations.
Vietnam's renewable energy share currently stands at about 10%, roughly in line with Taiwan and slightly above the Southeast Asian average.
As European and American buyers raise sustainability requirements for supply chains, Vietnam's first nuclear plant could boost the country's green energy share and strengthen its competitiveness as a manufacturing base.
