Russia and Vietnam strengthen energy cooperation, including construction of nuclear units

Vietnam plans to strengthen its energy ties with Russia, with closer cooperation also expected to lead to the construction of nuclear units. However, stronger ties are not expected to be limited to nuclear power; the two countries also plan to expand cooperation in the oil and gas sector.

The country had previously planned to develop nuclear power, but revised its plans following the Fukushima nuclear accident. Last autumn, however, the government announced that it intended to update its development plan for the electricity sector. In addition to renewable energy sources, Vietnam also plans to focus on nuclear and hydrogen technologies.

Vietnam does not intend to limit its nuclear development partnerships to Russia. The government previously said, according to Reuters, that it also plans to work with other foreign partners, including Japan, South Korea, the United States and France. The government has previously said it aims to build its first nuclear power plants, with a total installed capacity of 6.4 GW, between 2030 and 2035.

“The development of power plants using advanced technology will strictly comply with nuclear and radiation safety regulations and serve the interests of socioeconomic development,” a statement issued after Vietnamese leader To Lam’s visit to Moscow said, according to Reuters.

In addition to cooperation in the nuclear sector, Vietnam and Russia also want to strengthen ties in the oil and gas industry. This is also expected to include supplies of Russian oil and liquefied natural gas. The countries also plan to support the mutual expansion of their energy companies in each other’s territories.