Scenario: a construction contractor asks: “With Ninh Thuan nuclear restarting, what can Vietnamese businesses actually do — or just watch foreign contractors?” The answer sits in a three-step legal staircase: policy — framework law — guiding documents, with two steps currently done.
Step 1 — policy: Resolution 174/2024/QH15
On 30 November 2024, the National Assembly adopted Resolution 174/2024/QH15 on restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project (approved in 2009, suspended in 2016). The two plants are planned at Ninh Thuan 1 (Phuoc Dinh, Thuan Nam) and Ninh Thuan 2 (Vinh Hai, Ninh Hai). The Adjusted PDP8 has also brought nuclear back at multi-thousand-MW scale — a clear political signal: nuclear is part of long-term energy security strategy.
Step 2 — framework law: Atomic Energy Law 94/2025/QH15
On 27 June 2025, the 15th National Assembly passed the Atomic Energy Law No. 94/2025/QH15 (73 articles), effective 1 January 2026, replacing the 2008 Atomic Energy Law (18/2008/QH12). The new law comprehensively modernises: nuclear power and research reactor development, nuclear activity licensing, radioactive waste and spent-fuel management, radiation safety, nuclear safety and security, incident response and damage compensation mechanisms — approaching IAEA standards. This is the “framework law” every nuclear project stands on.
Step 3 — guiding documents: racing the clock
For Law 94/2025 to be enforceable from 1 January 2026, the Government is drafting implementing decrees (detailed rules on atomic energy development, safety and the like). For contractors and supply chains, realistic opportunities lie in: infrastructure construction (roads, ports, resettlement areas), materials and auxiliary equipment supply and workforce training — while reactors and core technology will almost certainly come from foreign partners under intergovernmental agreements. Businesses wanting in should build capabilities and certifications now, as nuclear safety standards exceed any conventional energy project.
Recommended actions
1. Track the issuance of Law 94/2025’s implementing decrees — that is the project’s “clock”. 2. Construction/materials firms: prepare for nuclear-standard certifications. 3. Do not expect core-technology roles — focus on infrastructure and auxiliary supply chains. 4. Cross-check every legal milestone against original texts (Resolution 174/2024, Law 94/2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the roadmap for Ninh Thuan 1 and 2?
The National Assembly approved the restart policy under Resolution 174/2024/QH15 (30/11/2024). The two plants are planned at Ninh Thuan 1 (Phuoc Dinh, Thuan Nam) and Ninh Thuan 2 (Vinh Hai, Ninh Hai). The Adjusted PDP8 brought nuclear back at multi-thousand-MW scale. Detailed timelines depend on Law 94/2025’s guiding documents.
What is new in the amended Atomic Energy Law?
Law 94/2025/QH15 (passed 27/6/2025, effective 1/1/2026, 73 articles, replacing Law 18/2008/QH12): comprehensive modernisation — nuclear power development, nuclear activity licensing, radioactive waste management, radiation/nuclear safety and security, incident response, damage compensation — approaching IAEA standards.
Nuclear safety: standards and regulators?
Law 94/2025 sets principles for radiation safety, nuclear safety and security; state management of atomic energy; radiation/nuclear incident response. Details on standards and management decentralisation await implementing decrees.
What opportunities for Vietnamese contractors and supply chains?
Realistically in: infrastructure construction (roads, ports, resettlement), materials/auxiliary equipment supply, workforce training. Reactors and core technology will almost certainly come from foreign partners under intergovernmental agreements. Firms should prepare nuclear-standard certifications now.
Why was the project suspended in 2016?
The Ninh Thuan nuclear project was approved in 2009 and suspended in 2016 (mainly for macroeconomic reasons at the time). It is now restarted under Resolution 174/2024/QH15 amid energy-security needs and the Net Zero 2050 goal.
What should businesses prepare from now?
Track Law 94/2025’s implementing decrees (the project’s “clock”); build capabilities and certifications meeting nuclear safety standards — stricter than any conventional energy project; focus on infrastructure and auxiliary supply chains rather than core technology.
