Vietnam aims to train 4,000 personnel for the restarted Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plants by 2030, mobilizing 11 universities to expand engineering majors and international cooperation.
VNU University of Science is one of the universities to expand engineering majors and international cooperation.
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In May 2025, the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 1012/QD-TTg, officially green-lighting the “Training and Fostering Human Resources for Nuclear Power Development to 2035” project (Project 1012).
The initiative is designed to prepare a robust workforce, comprising lecturers, engineers, and experts, to operate nuclear power plants. Simultaneously, it aims to develop electrical and mechanical engineering sectors to support the nuclear program and accelerate renewable energy development.
According to Project 1012, by 2030, the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant projects will require nearly 4,000 personnel, with over 2,000 needing university-level qualifications. This roadmap has opened new career trajectories for students, prompting educational institutions to prepare appropriate strategies and bolster training in energy and engineering fields.
Director Tran Chi Thanh of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) noted that alongside continued engagement with former partners like Russia and Japan to update technology and promote cooperation, the human element remains paramount. This workforce is the decisive factor, influencing everything from project organization and management to the training of high-level experts and engineers.
Vietnam currently possesses the full backing of Party and State policies, as well as support from international partners in technology sharing, workforce training, and safety assurance. However, he warned that any delay could cause Vietnam to lose these favorable conditions.
The national nuclear power project is currently chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, with the participation of Vietnam Electricity (EVN) and Petrovietnam. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST) is responsible for safety supervision, assessment, and technical support. The VINATOM assumes the role of scientific and technological consultant, particularly regarding reactor safety.
Project 1012 clearly identifies 11 institutions selected to train and foster the nuclear workforce, namely
1. Hanoi University of Science and Technology,
2. Hanoi University of Science (Vietnam National University-Hanoi),
3. HCMC University of Science (Vietnam National University-HCMC),
4. HCMC University of Technology (Vietnam National University-HCMC),
5. Electric Power University,
6. Da Lat University,
7. VINATOM (MoST),
8. Da Nang University of Science and Technology (Da Nang University),
9. Hanoi University of Civil Engineering,
10. HCMC Electric Power College (EVN),
11. Vietnam Petroleum College (Vietnam National Industry – Energy Group).
