Five Provinces with Potential for Large Nuclear Power Plants in Vietnam by 2025

Potential and Challenges

INTRODUCTION

Vietnam is actively implementing plans to build nuclear power plant to meet the increasing energy demand and ensure national energy security. According to the draft adjustment of the National Power Development Plan for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050 (Power Plan VIII), the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed eight potential sites in five provinces for developing large nuclear power plants. Each site is estimated to develop about 4-6 GW of nuclear power capacity.

Figure 1: Nuclear Power Plant (Illustration)

PROVINCES WITH POTENTIAL FOR NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

According to Decision No. 906/QD-TTg by the Prime Minister on nuclear power development planning, the following five provinces have the opportunity to build large-scale nuclear power plants:

1. Ninh Thuận – The Center of Nuclear Power Development

Ninh Thuận has two sites designated for nuclear power plant construction:

Phước Dinh (Thuận Nam District)
Vĩnh Hải (Ninh Hải District)

Vietnam previously planned to build two nuclear power plants in this province with a total capacity of up to 4,000 MW. However, in 2016, the National Assembly temporarily suspended the project to reassess its economic efficiency. Currently, Ninh Thuận is still considered one of the most suitable locations for nuclear power development due to its strategic location, distance from residential areas, and minimal impact from natural disasters.

2. Bình Định – A Potential Hub for Nuclear Energy

Bình Định has a proposed site in Lộ Diêu Hamlet (Hoài Mỹ Commune, Hoài Nhơn District). With its coastal location and stable geological conditions, this area is considered a strong candidate for a nuclear power plant.

3. Phú Yên – A New Direction in the Energy Sector

In Phú Yên, Vũng La (Phú Hải Hamlet, Xuân Phương Commune, Sông Cầu District) is identified as a potential site for a nuclear power plant. The area has sufficient space, ensuring a safe distance from residential zones and meeting technical requirements.

4. Hà Tĩnh – Long-Term Development Orientation

Hà Tĩnh has one site listed for nuclear power development: Sơn Tịnh Hamlet (Kỳ Xuân Commune, Kỳ Anh District). This location has favorable geographical conditions and is close to major transportation routes, facilitating the transport of materials for construction and operation.

5. Quảng Ngãi – A Promising Province in Central Vietnam

Quảng Ngãi has two planned locations:

Gia Hòa Hamlet (Đức Thắng Commune, Mộ Đức District)
Văn Bân Hamlet (Đức Chánh Commune, Mộ Đức District)

These sites offer favorable geographical conditions, proximity to cooling water sources, and distance from residential areas, minimizing operational risks.

Hình 2 : Bản đồ 5 tình miền trung

NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT PLAN IN VIETNAM

According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam’s nuclear power development will focus on three key regions:

South-Central Region: Estimated nuclear power capacity of 25-30 GW.
Central Region: Expected to reach 10 GW.
North-Central Region: Projected capacity of 4-5 GW.

This regional planning ensures a balanced energy distribution, optimizing operational efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.

Figure 3: Nuclear Power Plant (Illustration)

NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE AND OBJECTIVES

On February 4, Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chaired the second meeting of the Nuclear Power Plant Development Steering Committee. He emphasized that nuclear power development is a key strategy to ensure national energy security. According to the plan, Vietnam could commission its first nuclear power plant as early as 2031, with full-scale operation no later than 2035.

Additionally, adopting nuclear power aligns with Vietnam’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as pledged in COP26. Therefore, the government is actively conducting research, assessments, and preparations to integrate nuclear power into the national energy system.

BENEFITS OF NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT

Ensuring Energy Security: Vietnam faces electricity shortages due to rising demand. Nuclear power provides a stable energy source, reducing dependence on hydropower and coal-fired plants.

Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Nuclear power generates electricity without CO₂ emissions, helping mitigate environmental pollution and protect ecosystems.

High Efficiency and Low Operational Costs: Compared to other energy sources, nuclear power offers high efficiency and lower long-term operating costs, easing the financial burden on the economy.

Advancing Research and Technology Development: Building nuclear power plants fosters scientific and technological progress, enhances workforce expertise, and stimulates the knowledge-based economy.

CHALLENGES IN NUCLEAR POWER DEVELOPMENT

Despite its benefits, nuclear power plant construction presents several challenges:

High Investment Costs: Building a nuclear power plant requires substantial capital investment, often exceeding tens of billions of USD.
Nuclear Safety Concerns: Absolute safety is essential to prevent radiation leakage and potential accidents.
Radioactive Waste Management: Advanced technology and strict regulations are required for handling nuclear waste.
Public Acceptance: Many people remain concerned about nuclear risks, necessitating transparency and public awareness campaigns.

CONCLUSION

Developing nuclear power plants in Vietnam is a strategic move to ensure energy security and minimize environmental impact. However, successful implementation requires careful planning, advanced technology, and skilled human resources. If executed correctly, nuclear power will become a crucial pillar of Vietnam’s future energy system.

(Vn-Industry.)

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