Russia's Rosatom to build 2,400 MW nuclear power plant in Vietnam

Russia and Vietnam have reached a new agreement for Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom to build a 2,400 MW nuclear power plant in Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan region. The project will feature two VVER-1200 reactor units, modeled after Russia’s Leningrad NPP-2, with construction expected to be completed by 2030. This marks a revival of a previously shelved nuclear initiative that began in 2009 but was halted in 2016 due to economic conditions. Vietnam’s renewed commitment reflects its focus on energy security and carbon neutrality goals, recognizing nuclear power as a reliable, on-demand source of carbon-free energy that complements intermittent renewables like wind and solar. Beyond building the reactors, the agreement signals a long-term industrial partnership between the two countries. Vietnam and Russia are also collaborating on establishing the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST), which will include a Russian research reactor, with feasibility studies underway. Vietnam is exploring further nuclear technology options, including small