TABLE 3. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

	Estimated available energy sources
	Fossil Fuels		Nuclear	Renewables
	Solid (surveyed data as of 1st Jan. 2005)	Liquid and Gas (Bill. TOE)	Uranium (U3O8 content > 0.015)	Hydro	Other Renewable and small hydro
Total amount in specific units*	5 883	Estimated: 3.8 - 4.2 Ascertained 1.05 - 1.14	254 000	- Technical Potential: 31000 - Economic & Technical Potential: 18 - 20	5 300
Total amount in Exajoule (EJ)	246 309.44	Estimated: 159.1 – 175.85 Ascertained: 43.96 – 47.73	21 031.2	- Technical Potential: 0.11 - Economic & technical Potential: 0.06 – 0.07	0.2

* Solid, Liquid & Gas: Billion TOE; Uranium: Metric tons; Hydro, Renewable: GW

Source: Pre-FS Report on the Ninh Thuan NPP Project, IE, Aug. 2009

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS

					Average annual growth rate (%)
Unit: KTOE	2000	2005	2010	2013	2000 to 2013
Energy consumption**
- Total	19 546	32 235	44 248	47 445	7.06
- Solids***	2 212	4 372	8 342	9 893	12.21
- Liquids	2 860	7 917	12 336	15 723	14.01
- Gases	7.7	1 441	4 908	8 316	71.14
- Nuclear
- Hydro	2 063	4 314	3 835	2 369	1.07
- Other Renewables	12 421	14 191	14 794	13 875	0.86
Energy production
- Total		26 990	62 976	64 848	11.58
- Solids***		13 137	19 092	24 646	8.18
- Liquids		9 076	19 051	15 266	6.72
- Gases		1 194	6 204	8 316	27.85
- Nuclear
- Hydro		3 583	3 835	2 369	-5.04
- Other Renewables			14 794	13 890	-2.08
Net import (Import - Export)			17 150	-7 867	-22.88

Source: Institute of Energy (IE)

Energy consumption= Primary Energy Consumption + Net Import (Import – Export) of secondary energy

*** Solid fuels include coal, lignite

The National Strategy on Energy Development to 2020, with an outlook to 2050, has made the following policies:

1. Policy to ensure national energy security

   Give priorities to the implementation of policy to ensure national energy security oriented synchronous development of energy resources; exploitation and economical use of energy resources in the country; reducing dependence on imported petroleum products; reasonable import and export of coal (in the immediate reduction of coal export each year); linkage of energy systems in the region; expanding oil stockpile; combination of energy security and national defense and national security.

2. Policy on energy prices

   Energy price policy is considered as one of the breakthrough policies; quickly eliminate monopolies, and subsidies in both production and consumption of energy. Energy prices should be determined in accordance with market mechanisms; the State regulates energy prices through tax policy and other management tools.

3. Investment policies for the development of new and renewable energy sources, bio-fuels, nuclear power

   Prioritize the development of new energy, renewable energy, bio-fuels, and nuclear power. Encourage investment into foreign countries to seek out energy sources; make policies to ensure equality between the economic sectors involved in energy development.

4. Policy on energy saving and efficient uses

   Policies to encourage energy saving and efficient uses should determine the specific requirements of savings for energy-intensive industries; encourage the use of energy-saving new equipment and technologies.

5. Environmental Protection Policy

   Environmental protection policy aims to ensure the implementation of the mining and energy uses with better environmental management; application of advanced reasonable environmental standards.

And some other policies on Organizational restructure of energy sector and Establishment of competitive energy market, Energy Science and technology development, International cooperation, and Energy export and import.

Electricity Policy

The Prime Minister of Viet Nam approved the Revised National Power Development Master Plan for the 2011-2020 period with the vision to 2030 (the “Revised Power Master Plan VII”) on 18 March 2016 put strong emphasis on energy security, energy efficiency, renewable energy development and power market liberalisation.

The Revised Power Master Plan VII set out six key directions and four specific targets for the Viet Nam’s power development from 2016 to 2030.

Six Key Directions

1. Power development must go ahead to ensure sufficient supply of electricity for the socio-economic development requirement and the people's needs;

2. Combine the efficient use of domestic energy resources with the reasonable import of electricity and fuels and diversify the primary energy resources for power generation. Give priority to the development of power generation from the renewable energy; contribute to natural resource conservation; minimise negative impacts of power generation to the environment;

3. Develop power generation sources in parallel with development of transmission and distribution grid based on the resources and requirements of socio-economic development;

4. Develop 200 kV and 500 kV transmission grid in the national power transmission network to ensure safe, reliable and economic transmission; Development of 200 kV and 500 kV transmission grid in the national power transmission network to ensure safe, reliable and economic transmission, at the same time to attach great importance to development of small power generation sources from renewable energy resources;

5. Improve the quality of electricity and electricity services step by step and adjust the electricity tariffs according to the market mechanism to encourage investment in power sector and efficient and saving use of electricity; and

6. Develop competitive power market in accordance with set out roadmap to diversify investment types and trading of electricity. The State shall hold monopoly only in the power transmission network in order to ensure security of the national energy system.

Four Specific Targets

1. Sufficiently supply electricity to the whole country. Meet socio-economic development targets of the country with the average annual GDP growth rate of about 7% in the 2016-2030 period:

• Commercial electricity: from 235-245 billion kWh by 2020 to 352-379 billion kWh by 2025, and 506-659 billion kWh by 2030;

• Electricity generation and purchases: from 265-278 billion kWh by 2020 to 400-431 billion kWh by 2025 and 572-632 billion kWh by 2030;

2. Give priority to the development of power generation from the renewable energy so that the proportion of electricity generated from the renewable energy (not included large and middle hydro power and pumped storage) will reach 7% by 2020 to over 10% by 2030;

3. Develop flexible operational power transmission grid with high automation capacity from transmission to distribution; and

4. Promote the rural electrification program in rural, mountainous and island areas so that most of the rural households will have access to and use the electricity.

Decision making process

Decisions for electricity development include strategy, program, master plan, and project. Strategy and program reflect a long-term strategic viewpoint of the Government; master plan makes development planning for a period from 10-15 year (updated every 5 years); project is for concrete construction or extension of electric power plant(s), transmission network, etc.

Before making a decision, the Government assigns a ministry (called assigned ministry) to prepare draft document and send it to relevant ministries and agencies for review, comment and suggestions. Based on the gathered opinions, the assigned ministry will finalize the draft document.

After that, the assigned ministry will submit the final draft document to the Prime Minister. Depending on the document type, the approval will be made by the National Assembly, Government or Prime Minister.

Power generation

In 2014, total installed capacity of the national power system had reached above 34,000 MW with variety of power generation sources such as hydropower, coal-fired and oil-fired power, gas turbine, and wind power, etc.. The peak load was over 22,000 MW. Total power production and purchases in 2014 was recorded at 142.25 billion kWh; commercial power reached 128.43 billion kWh. Average consumption per capita was over 1,400 kWh.

According to a recent estimation, in 2015, total power production and purchases reached 159.4 billion kWh, an increase of 11.23% compared to 2014; commercial power reached 143.34 billion kWh which was 11.44% higher than 2014.

At present, in Viet Nam there are many investors in the power generation sector. Their power capacities and rates in 2014 are shown in the following table.

Power generation by ownership

Owners	Capacity (MW)	Rate (%)
Vietnam Electricity (EVN)	20,539.65	60.27
Petro Vietnam (PVN)	4,429	12,99
Vinacomin	1,485	4.37
Local Investors	4,765.6	13.98
Foreign Investor	2,859.5	8.39
Total	34,080	100

Source: 2015 Annual Report of EVN (www.evn.com,vn)

Power Transmission and Distribution

In 2014, 100% of the districts were connected to electricity; 99.59% of the communes with 98.22% of rural households got accessed to the power grid. The national power transmission network managed by National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) has been strongly developed in terms of both scale and technology with a total of 19,300 km of transmission lines and 106 substations of 56,426 MVA. Total energy transmitted in 2014 reached 120 billion kWh, an increase of 9% compared to 2013. The national power transmission system has covered 61/63 provinces and cities over the country and been gradually inter-connected with the neighbouring countries.

Power transmission and distribution network is shown in the following tables:

National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT)

	500 kV	220 kV	110 kV
Length of lines (km)	6,755	12,512	43
Number of transformers (unit)	40	162	63
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	21,900	30,726	3,175

Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC)

	220 kV	110 kV	35 kV and lower voltage levels
Length of lines (km)		7,366	183,500
Number of transformers (unit)	1	316	39,148
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	125	11,472	9,900

Central Power Corporation (EVNCPC)

	110 kV	35 kV and lower voltage levels
Length of lines (km)	3,243	57,586
Number of transformers (unit)	135	21,400
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	3,971	4,400

Southern Power Corporation (EVNSPC)

	110 kV	35 kV and lower voltage levels
Length of lines (km)	4,687	141,801
Number of transformers (unit)	257	94,684
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	10,721	23,620

Hanoi Power Corporation (EVNHANOI)

	110 kV	35 kV and lower voltage levels
Length of lines (km)	699	35,069
Number of transformers (unit)	69	10,158
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	3,642	5,059

Ho Chi Minh City Power Corporation (EVNHCMC)

	220 kV	110 kV	35 kV and lower voltage levels
Length of lines (km)	55	670	17,200
Number of transformers (unit)	7	91	24,298
Capacity of transformer (MWA)	1,750	5,143	10,220

Source: 2015 Annual Report of EVN (www.evn.com,vn)

Main organizations

* Government

Is the owner of capital, assets, property of the State and electricity businesses; It decides the price tariff for end-customers; It enacts decisions, decrees, regulations and approves planning and plans for electricity development.

* Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

Manages and regulates electricity activities and uses. It directs the implementation of decrees issued by the Government. It enacts specific regulatory documents; and organizes formulation and appraisal of the planning and plans for electricity development.

* General Directorate of Energy

The Energy Department is an agency under the MOIT which functions to assist the MOIT Minister in applying State management of the oil & gas, electricity, new energy and renewable energy industries in accordance with the provisions of law;

* Electricity Regulatory Authority of Viet Nam

Electricity Regulatory Authority is an agency under the MOIT, which functions to assist the MOIT Minister with the State management on regulating competitive electricity market activities, to advise the MOIT Minister on making decisions on cost frames of electricity generation, wholesale, transmission, distribution, and other service in the competitive electricity market and license electricity activities;

* Viet Nam Electricity (EVN)

EVN is the sole state-owned utility in Viet Nam, operating under the management of the MOIT. Under EVN, there are electric power Companies, transmission companies, and A/Es.

* Non-EVN Electricity Generation Companies

At present, there are BOT, IPP, joint-stock electricity power generation and distribution companies.

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

							Average annual growth rate (%)
	1980	1990	2000	2005	2010	2014	2000 to 2014
Capacity of electrical plants (MW)
- Thermal	0.89	1.4	3.0	7.50	12,279	15.703	12.55
- Hydro	0.25	0.68	3.4	4.13	9.048	18.268	12.76
- Nuclear
- Wind
- Geothermal
- Other Renewable	0.04	0.05	0.08	0,32	0.646	0.109
- Total	1.18	2.12	6.48	11.95	21.542	34.08	12.59
Electricity production (TWh)
- Thermal	2.90	3.35	11.38	29.25	78.974	69.130	13.75
- Hydro	1.,20	5.37	14.55	21.45	28.542	67.57	11.59
- Nuclear
- Wind
- Geothermal
- Other Renewable	0.11		0.66	2.76	6.612	5.55
- Total (1)	4.10	8.72	26.59	53.46	97.25	142.25	12.73
Total Electricity consumption (TWh)	4.21	8.72	22.397	45.603	86.925	116.135	12.47

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

Source: IE and EVN

TABLE 6. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

	1980	1990	2000	2005	2010	2014
Commercial Energy consumption per capita (GJ/capita)	2.66	2.76	6.53	11.1	17.4
Electricity consumption per capita (kWh/capita)	78.4	131.8	289	567	1 000	1 426
Electricity consumption/ Final Energy consumption (%)	6.81	12.6	16.3	18.2	20.7
Nuclear/Total electricity (%)	0	0	0	0
Ratio of external dependency (%) (1)

(1) Net import / Total energy consumption.

Source: IE

Projection on commercial electricity and electricity generation for the 2016-2030 period with the average annual GDP growth rate of about 7% per year

Electricity demands - Base Scenario

	Unit	2020	2025	2030
Commercial Electricity	TWh	235	352	506
Electricity Generation and Import	TWh	265	400	572
Capacity	MW	60,000	96,500	129,500

Installed Capacity Structure - Base Scenario (%)

	2020	2025	2030
Hydro & Pumped Storage	30.1	21.1	16.9
Coal-fired	42.7	49.3	42.6
Oil, Gas, LNG-fired	14.9	15.6	14.7
Renewable	9.9	12.5	21
Import	2.4	1.5	1.2
Nuclear			3.6

* Note: the first NP Unit with capacity of 1,200 MW will be put into operation in 2028

Source: Revised Power Master Plan VII.

Electricity Generation and Import Structure - Base Scenario (%)

	2020	2025	2030
Hydro & Pumped Storage	25.2	17.4	12.4
Coal-fired	49.3	55	53.2
Oil, Gas, LNG-fired	16.6	19.1	16.8
Renewable	6.5	6.9	10.7
Import	2.4	1.6	1.2
Nuclear			5.7

* Note: the first NP Unit with capacity of 1,200 MW will be put into operation in 2028

Source: Revised Power Master Plan VII.

Since 1996, studies on sustainable energy development, including taking into consideration the role of nuclear power in the national energy system, have been carried out in Viet Nam. Many ministries, organization, universities, and research institutes have been involved in the studies.

During the period 1996-2016, the Government of Viet Nam approved and provided financial budgets to the following programme and projects:

• National Programme on Sustainable Energy Development (1996-2000);

• Project on General Study on the Introduction of Nuclear Power into Viet Nam (1996-1999);

• Project on Study and Elucidation of the Aspects of Nuclear Power Development in Viet Nam (2002-2004);

• Project on Formulation of the Strategy for Atomic Energy Utilization for Peaceful Purposes up to 2020 (approved on the 3 January 2006 by the Prime Minister);

• Project on Pre-Feasibility Study for Construction of the First Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Viet Nam (2002-2004), extended to 2009;

• National Power Development Plans for the period 2011-2020 with vision to 2030 (called Master Plan No. 7); and

• Revised National Power Development Master Plans for the period 2011-2020 with vision to 2030 (called the Revised Power Master Plan VII).

The Prime Minister and a Deputy Prime Minister lead the preparation for the nuclear power program. All NPP-related issues are reported directly to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or to the Ministers in charge.

Under the direction of the Government, many ministries, organizations, and universities have been involved in the nuclear power programme in Viet Nam

In order to direct and manage the implementation of Ninh Thuan 1 & 2 NPP Projects, as well as human resources development, the following organizations have been established:

• State Steering Committee for Ninh Thuan NP Project led by a Deputy Prime Minister (2010);

• National Steering Committee for Project on Training and Developing of Human Resources in the Field of Atomic Energy up to 2020 led by a Deputy Prime Minister (2011).

TABLE 7. STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

This table is not Applicable.

Not applicable.

• Main Decisions: Over the past years the Government of Viet Nam has pursued the consistent policies on safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

• In January 2006, the Prime Minister decided to launch Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to the year 2020, which determines the objectives and road-map for atomic energy development in Viet Nam on both non-power and power applications.

• In 2007, the Prime Minister approved Master Plan for Electricity Development up to 2020 and Vision to 2050, which stated that the first NPP would be put into commercial operation by 2020.

• In June 2008 Viet Nam’s National Assembly approved the Atomic Energy Law; the Law came into force on the 1^st January 2009.

• In November 2009, Viet Nam's National Assembly approved Government plans to build the first two NPPs.

• In December 2009, Viet Nam decided to choose Russian Federation as a partner for the Ninh Thuan 1 NPP Project.

• In October 2010, Viet Nam decided to choose Japan as a partner for the Ninh Thuan 2 NPP Project.

• In June 2010, the Prime Minister approved Master Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to 2020.

• In July 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Oriented Planning for Nuclear Power Development in Viet Nam up to 2030.

• In July 2011, the Prime Minister approved National Power Development Plan for the 2011-2020 period with vision to 2030.

• According the Revised Power Master Plan VII, Viet Nam develops nuclear power to ensure stable power supply in the future when the indigenous primary energy sources are being exhausted. The first nuclear power unit will be put into operation by 2028. By 2030, total installed nuclear power capacity will reach 4,600 MW generating about 32.5 billion kWh, accounting for 5.7% of total electricity generation amount of the country. The first two NPPs (2 units for each site), called Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2, are located at Phuoc Dinh and Vinh Hai of Ninh Thuan Province in the Southern Central of Viet Nam.

• Type of contract (Turnkey, Split Package, Multi Packages): EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction);

• Application of nuclear power: electricity supply;

• Policy for nuclear fuel cycle:

• Viet Nam intends to rely on existing international markets for nuclear fuel services, rather than acquiring sensitive nuclear technologies, as a solution for peaceful, safe, and secure uses of nuclear energy.

• At the beginning stage, the supply of nuclear fuel for NPPs shall rely on the international nuclear fuel supply markets, through bilateral agreements signed with nuclear power plant suppliers or other countries/organisations that manufacture and export nuclear fuel.

• In the long term, Viet Nam implements a programme for localization of fabrication of nuclear fuel from imported enriched uranium. The establishment of nuclear fuel fabrication facilities shall be decided based on the evaluating national capacities and the international situation, especially the economics and other associated benefits.

• Strategy for funding long term spent fuel handling and final disposal, waste management and decommissioning: not available.

TABLE 8. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Station/Project Name	Type	Capacity (MW)	Expected Construction Start Year	Expected Commercial Year
Unit 1, Phuoc Dinh / Ninh Thuan 1	PWR	1200	N/A	2028
Unit 2, Phuoc Dinh / Ninh Thuan 1	PWR	1200	N/A	2029
Unit 1, Vinh Hai / Ninh Thuan 2	PWR	1100	N/A	2029
Unit 2, Vinh Hai / Ninh Thuan 2	PWR	1100	N/A	2030

* Note: Data in the above Table is based on the Revised Power Master Plan VII. The final decision on the NPP building plan should be approved by the Viet Nam's National Assembly when the Government submit the FS Report.

Source: Revised Power Master Plan VII.

On 5 March 2002, the Prime Minister signed Decision on Establishment of the Governmental Steering Committee for Pre-FS on the construction of the first NPP in Viet Nam. The Committee consists of the Minister of Industry, Vice-Ministers and senior officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and institutions. The Committee had several functions similar to a NEPIO.

As assigned by the Prime Minister MOIT is responsible for conducting Pre-FS on the first NNPs. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is responsible for formulating the Vietnam Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to 2020, and conducting studies and Elucidation of the Aspects of Nuclear Power Development in Viet Nam.

Under the control of the MOIT, EVN is responsible for conducting the Pre-FS and FS and is the investor, owner, and operator of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPPs.

On 4 May 2010, the Prime Minister signed Decision on Establishment of the State Steering Committee for Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project led by a Deputy Prime Minister, with the Minister of Industry and Trade as its Permanent Vice-Head. The State Steering Committee has the following functions and duties:

• To make orientation, strategies for development of NP and other priority areas in each development phase;

• To give guidance and policies on NP development; specific policies on acquiring, owning and developing NPP technologies and nuclear fuel; on the exploitation and uses of uranium; radioactive environmental monitoring and radioactive waste management;

• To direct, supervise, and coordinate activities of the ministries, Ministerial-level and Governmental-level agencies in implementing the NP program;

• To advise the Prime Minister on important issues for NP development.

Generally, EVN will be the investor for the first four NP units. A proposal for financial arrangement for these units is as follows:

• EVN will provide 15-25% of the total investment costs.

• 75-85% of the total investment costs under the export credits with one or several Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in conjunction with loans from commercial banks and and/or issuing of domestic and international bonds.

• The Government will apply support measures on investing and financing NPP projects, such as loan guarantees and bond issuing; investment for infrastructure development, resettlements

However, in the process of selection of foreign partners of the Ninh Thuan NP Projects, Vietnamese Government put forward 6 criteria/requests, of which selected partner must provide low-interest and preferential loans for the Project.

Russian Federation and Japan have been chosen as partners of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPP projects, respectively. Russian Federation and Japan committed to provide to the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPPs projects with low-interest and preferential loans.

The Revised Power Master Plan VII set out a plan for development of power transmission grid in the 2016-2030 period. The new transmission network to be built from 2016 to 2030 is as follows.

	Unit	2016 - 2020	2021 - 2025	2026 - 2030
Transformer 500 kV	MVA	26,700	26,400	23,500
Transformer 220 kV	MVA	34,966	33,888	32,750
Length of lines 500 kV	km	2,746	3,592	3,714
Length of lines 220 kV	km	7,488	4,076	3,435

Source: Revised Power Master Plan VII.

According to Planning Orientation on Nuclear Power Development in Viet Nam up to 2030, 8 potential sites have been preliminarily determined, of which the following two sites for the first NPPs have been selected:

• Ninh Thuan 1 NPP at Phuoc Dinh commune, Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan province;

• Ninh Thuan 2 NPP at Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province.

Sites selected for two first NPPs.

Vietnamese people, especial local people around nuclear power plant site have been provided with information related to the Ninh Thuan nuclear Power Project. They understand the necessary of nuclear power development in Viet Nam. Although they concern about the nuclear safety, especially after accident of Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in Japan, almost people support the government's policy on nuclear power development.

Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM)

R&D activities in the field of nuclear energy field have been carried out at some institutes and universities, but mainly at the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM).

VINATOM is a governmental scientific organization under MOST, for Research and Development in atomic energy, applications of nuclear techniques and radiation technology for the socio-economic development in the country, and serves as a Technical Support Organization for nuclear power programme, particularly in the areas of quality control, safety, environment protection, education and training, etc. It has several constituent institutes/centres for activities in various areas of interest:

• Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST), Ha Noi

• Institute for Technology of Radioactive Rare Earths (ITRRE), Ha Noi

• Nuclear Research Institute (NRI), Da Lat

• Center for Nuclear Techniques in Ho Chi Minh City (CNT), Ho Chi Minh

• Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology in Ho Chi Minh City (VINAGAMMA)

• Ha Noi Irradiation Center (HIC), Ha Noi

• Center for Application of Nuclear Techniques in Industry (CANTI), Da Lat

• Center for Non-Destructive Evaluation (CNE), Ha Noi

• Nuclear Training Center (NTC), Ha Noi

The Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of Russian Federation for Cooperation in Construction of Nuclear Power Plant in the Territory of Viet Nam signed on 31^st October 2010 stated that Viet Nam and Russian Federation agreed to cooperate for establishment of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNEST).

On 21^st November 2011 Viet Nam and Russian Federation signed the Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam and the Government of Russian Federation for Cooperation on Establishment of the Centre for Nuclear Energy Science and Technology in the Territory of Viet Nam, of which:

• Competent Authorities: MOST (Viet Nam), ROSATOM and ROSTECHNADZOR (Russian Federation);

• Authorized (Implementing) Organizations: VINATOM (Viet Nam) and ZAO “Atomstroyexport” (Russian Federation);

Not applicable.

There are co-operative relationships with several foreign R&D institutions, such as JAEA, JNES (Japan), CEA, IRSN (France), KAERI, KIRAM, KIGAM (Republic of Korea), JINR (Russian Federation), and Risk Engineering (Bulgaria).

The Viet Nam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) was established in 2004. VARANS is under the MOST and assists the MOST's Minister in exercising the state management of radiation protection and nuclear safety.

VARANS has the responsibility and authorities to develop draft legal documents on radiation safety and nuclear safety; organize registration of radioactive sources, radiation devices, nuclear material, nuclear equipment, and to license for conducting radiation activities in accordance with its competency, conduct and organize verification on radiation safety and nuclear safety, carry out inspection, checking; to handle violations against regulations on radiation and nuclear safety; and to suspend radiation activities in accordance with its competency; to recommend to the relevant State competent authority to suspend research reactor, nuclear power plant operation if suspecting there is unsafe element. In addition, VARANS is also responsible for international safeguards related activities, emergency response to radiation and nuclear incidents within its competency; establishing and maintaining the national information system on radiation safety and nuclear safety; to organize and cooperate for professional trainings on radiation safety and nuclear safety, and carry out international cooperation activities in radiation and nuclear safety.

VARANS also utilizes external support from other domestic organizations in fulfilling its tasks. In phases of site and FS approval, VARANS is being provided with expertise from the VINATOM, the Institute of Geosciences and Mineral Resources (MONRE), Centre on earthquake information and tsunami warning, Institute of Geophysics (Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology), Institute of Geology (Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology), Geological Department (University of Mining and Geology), Faculty of Hydrology, Meteorology and Oceanography (University of Sciences, Viet Nam National University) Seismic Division, Institute of Geophysics (Viet Nam Academy of Science and Technology).

In addition, the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Viet Nam and Agency for Safety Techniques and Industrial Environment (under MOIT), and some agencies under other Ministries (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment) participate in the licensing process.

VARANS issues or proposes the MOST to issue licenses for all activities related to radiation, including import and export of radiation sources, radiation works, and radiation facilities. Every year inspections are carried out for some radiation organizations.

Regarding NPP projects, in accordance with Vietnam’s Atomic Law, the Prime Minister approves the NPP’s sites, the MOST’s Minister will issue licences for NPP construction, the MOIT’s Minister will issue licences for NPP commissioning and operation, the MOC’s Minister will issue licences to foreign investors to participate in the NPP projects.

Agreement on privileges and immunities	Entry into force	Jul. 1969
Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT)	Entry into force	Jun. 1982
Supplementary agreement on provision of technical assistance by the IAEA	Entry into force	May 1983
Supplementary agreement on provision of technical assistance by the IAEA	Entry into force	May 1983
NPT related safeguards agreement INFCIRC/376	Entry into force	Feb. 1990
Improved procedures for designation of safeguards inspectors	Prefers to apply the present system	Jun. 1990
RCA	Entry into force:	Aug. 1997
Convention on physical protection of nuclear material and the Amendment	Enter in force	Nov. 2012
Convention on early notification of a nuclear accident	Entry into force	1986
Convention on assistance in the case of a nuclear accident or radiological emergency	Entry into force	Oct. 1987
Safeguards Agreement	Entry into force	1989
Bangkok Treaty: South East Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone	signed	Dec. 1995
Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)	ratified	Jan. 2006
Additional Protocol	ratified	Sept. 2012
Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage	Non-Party
Joint protocol	Non-Party
Protocol to amend the Vienna convention on civil liability for nuclear damage	Non-Party
Convention on supplementary compensation for nuclear damage	Non-Party
Convention on nuclear safety	Entry into force	Jul. 2010
Joint convention on the safety of spent fuel management and on the safety of radioactive waste management	Entry into force	2013
ZANGGER Committee	Non-Member
Nuclear Export Guidelines (INFCIRC/254)	Adopted
Acceptance of NUSS Codes	No reply
Nuclear Suppliers Group	Non-Member

Viet Nam became a Member State of the IAEA in June 1978 and has been receiving the Agency's valuable assistances in many areas, contributing to the research, development and peaceful, safe and secure uses of nuclear energy.

In the area of nuclear power infrastructure capacity building, the IAEA contributed to the development of significant institutional capacity in nuclear power project management, technical capacity building, site characterization and evaluation as well as the strengthening of the safety and regulatory infrastructure.

Studies and evaluations, based on available documents and a site survey, were used to identify satisfactory sites for constructing nuclear installations. Assistance was provided for site determination by establishing the required capabilities for evaluating and verifying reports on site determination activities for the new research reactor and nuclear power plant.

In addition, the IAEA supported in evaluating the status of nuclear power infrastructure in Viet Nam through INIR Missions and by providing expertise and training for staff to enhance competencies in the following areas of project management, human resource development, public information and stakeholder involvement, grid-NPP interaction, site characteristics and nuclear safety. In addition, equipment procured by the IAEA includes a server and a PC Based Nuclear Power training simulator.

INIR Missions

The second INIR mission was conducted from 5 to 14 December 2012 in Ha Noi and evaluated the status of development of nuclear power infrastructure and progress made towards achieving the IAEA milestones. The mission noted that Viet Nam made notable progress since the 2009 INIR Mission, but that considerable work remains to be done before completing Phase 2. Accordingly, the INIR team outlined 42 recommendations for further actions in seven key areas including legislation, regulatory framework, human resource development, management systems, funding and financing, spent fuel and radioactive waste, as well as emergency preparedness and response.

The 2014 INIR follow up Mission concluded that Viet Nam continues to make progress on the development of national nuclear power infrastructure and completed 6 of the recommendations made by the 2012 INIR mission. However, the other 36 recommendations require further work.

Integrated Work Plan

In 2011 Viet Nam and the IAEA developed and adopted an Integrated Work Plan (IWP) for the development of Nuclear Power Infrastructure covering the period 2010-2015. The IWP has been a useful tool for planning, prioritizing, integrating and coordinating technical assistance to Viet Nam and has been updated and revised regularly to reflect changes, challenges and evolving priorities. The IWP integrates all TC Projects related to nuclear power infrastructure, as well as relevant Vietnamese stakeholders participating in the nuclear power programme (regulatory body, government agencies, utility, R&D organization, etc.) and various technical departments and divisions at the IAEA. During the design process, the activities of IWP are established on the basis of the IAEA’s nuclear infrastructure evaluation methodology taking into account Viet Nam’s practical circumstances. The Viet Nam Atomic Energy Agency (VAEA) is the main focal point in developing and implementing the IWP. In March 2015, the IAEA and Viet Nam reviewed the progress made and achievements from IWP 2011-2015; both sides have agreed on the IWP 2016-2020.

1.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Republic of India for the co-operation for utilization of atomic energy for peaceful purposes	signed 1986
2.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Republic of Korea for the co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 1996
3.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the People's Republic of China for the co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 2000
4.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Argentine Republic for the co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 2001
5.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation for the co-operation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 2002
6.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Republic of France for the co-operation in the development of peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 2009
7.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of the Russian Federation on Cooperation in Construction of Nuclear Power Plant in the Territory of Vietnam	signed 2010
8.	Agreement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of Japan for the co-operation in development and peaceful uses of nuclear energy	signed 2011
9.	Arrangement between the Government of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Government of Japan on Cooperation in Construction of Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant Project in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam	signed 2011