VCI Legal – January 12. 2026

In the process of strengthening the development of science and technology in alignment with Viet Nam’s sustainable energy transition strategy, the Law on Atomic Energy was promulgated not only to meet practical demands but also to serve as a fundamental guiding framework, ensuring that the exploitation and use of atomic energy are conducted safely and effectively, and contribute to the development of nuclear power for peaceful purposes. This article highlights the key and noteworthy provisions of the 2025 Law on Atomic Energy.

1. Policies and Strategies for the Development and Application of Atomic Energy

The development and application of atomic energy must be for peaceful purposes, serving socio-economic development, environmental protection, improvement of quality of life, and assurance of energy security. The strategy for the peaceful development and application of atomic energy is formulated based on the national socio-economic development strategy and includes core components such as perspectives, objectives, tasks, solutions, and implementation resources.

With regard to investment and finance, priority is given to investment and diversification of funding sources for development, while ensuring state budget allocations for scientific research, technological development, and the construction of national facilities. These include the environmental radiation monitoring network as well as facilities for the storage, treatment, and disposal of radioactive waste and disused radiation sources.

In terms of capacity building, the Law emphasizes ensuring radiation safety, nuclear safety, and nuclear security in the development and application of atomic energy, as well as managing and preparing for radiation and nuclear emergency response.

Regarding human resources, priority mechanisms are established for training, capacity building, attraction, utilization, and recognition of high-quality human resources, including both domestic and foreign experts. Investment is also encouraged in physical infrastructure for research and training institutions in the field of atomic energy. The State is required to implement training, capacity-building, and human resource development programs in atomic energy, and to encourage organizations and individuals to participate in research and development programs related to atomic energy. Preferential recruitment policies are provided for students graduating with excellent or higher academic performance into state management agencies and institutions engaged in training, research, development, and application of atomic energy. In addition, the State adopts support policies for individuals sent abroad or domestically for training and professional development in atomic energy. Personnel working in the atomic energy sector whose salaries are funded by the state budget are entitled to occupational preferential allowances, and those exposed to radiation are entitled to hazardous and dangerous work allowances.

In terms of technology, priority is given to the transfer and application of advanced, high-tech, and environmentally friendly technologies. Efforts are made to enhance domestic manufacturing capacity and localization of equipment, with a gradual objective of mastering nuclear power technologies.

Regarding infrastructure, the Law promotes the synchronous development of infrastructure, culture, education, and healthcare systems in localities hosting nuclear facilities.

International cooperation is encouraged through enhanced international integration, cooperation, and implementation of international commitments related to atomic energy.

Finally, the Law underscores the importance of communication and public outreach, promoting information dissemination and raising social awareness about the development and application of atomic energy.

2. Safety and Security Requirements for Nuclear Facilities

Nuclear facilities must comply with a range of safety and security requirements. These include controlling radiation doses for radiation workers and the public, and ensuring that radioactive emissions into the environment do not exceed prescribed limits. Measures must be taken to prevent radiation and nuclear incidents and to mitigate consequences should such incidents occur.

Radiation safety, nuclear safety, and nuclear security must be ensured throughout all stages of construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities and structures, as well as during the use, storage, and transportation of nuclear fuel, nuclear materials, and radioactive waste.

Facilities must also implement measures to prevent, detect, deter, and respond to risks of loss, theft, unlawful seizure, sabotage, illegal transfer, or unauthorized use of nuclear materials, nuclear facilities, and nuclear fuel, as well as acts of illegal intrusion into or sabotage of nuclear facilities.

The siting, design, fabrication, construction, commissioning, operation, and decommissioning of nuclear facilities are required to comply with national technical regulations.

Investors in nuclear facility construction projects and organizations operating nuclear facilities are required to prepare a Safety Analysis Report (SAR), which must include detailed information relating to safety, the complexity of the nuclear facility, and associated radiation and nuclear risks.

3. Nuclear Power Plants and Research Nuclear Reactors

3.1. Requirements for Nuclear Power Plants

With respect to site selection, project investors are responsible for surveying and evaluating proposed sites for nuclear power plants based on several factors. These include natural and man-made external hazards that may affect plant safety; environmental characteristics and conditions related to the dispersion of radiation that could impact human health and the environment; population density, distribution, and demographic characteristics relevant to the feasibility of emergency response measures; and the assurance of national defense, security, public order, and safety throughout the construction, operation, and decommissioning phases.

Investors are required to submit an application dossier for approval of the construction site. A site is approved only when it satisfies conditions such as conformity with relevant planning instruments (including national, regional, provincial, sectoral, and technical plans), assurance of safety for surrounding communities and environmental protection, geological, meteorological, hydrological, natural disaster, transportation, and other conditions necessary for safe plant operation, compliance with national defense and security requirements, and feasibility of implementing emergency preparedness and response plans.

Regarding design and construction, investors are responsible for organizing the preparation of the nuclear power plant construction design in stages, consistent with the project implementation schedule and technical requirements, and subject to appraisal and approval in accordance with the law.

Before an investment decision is made, investors must conduct an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and prepare a feasibility study report for the construction investment. The procedures, authority, and appraisal of EIA results are carried out in accordance with environmental protection legislation.

For the construction phase, investors must submit an application for a construction permit for the nuclear power plant, including a Safety Analysis Report for the construction stage and other documents as required by law. Construction activities may only commence after the construction permit has been granted. The competent state authority issues the permit only when conditions are met, including compliance of the construction-stage SAR with atomic energy legislation; conformity of the plant design with site characteristics and applicable standards; establishment of an adequate quality management system; sufficient capacity of the investor to organize construction; and approved construction, security assurance, and decommissioning plans in accordance with relevant laws. If, during construction, any design adjustment affects previously approved radiation safety, nuclear safety, or nuclear security solutions, the investor must report to the competent authority for review and approval before continuing the relevant works.

For commissioning and trial operation, the operating organization must submit an application for an operating license to the competent authority for appraisal and issuance. An operating license is granted only when conditions are satisfied, including that the plant is constructed in accordance with approved design parameters; the actual condition of the plant meets safe operation requirements; sufficient resources are available for safe operation; the operational-stage SAR, operating procedures, and operating limits and conditions meet safety requirements; an adequate quality management system is in place; a decommissioning plan is prepared; and financial assurance measures are available to fulfill legal obligations throughout operation and decommissioning.

Regarding decommissioning, the operating organization must submit an application for a decommissioning license. A nuclear power plant is considered fully decommissioned and released from obligations related to radiation safety, nuclear safety, and nuclear security only after completion of the approved decommissioning plan.

3.2. Requirements for Research Nuclear Reactors

The requirements for site selection and design of research nuclear reactors are generally similar to those applicable to nuclear power plants.

For construction, investors must submit an application for a construction license for the research reactor, including a construction-stage Safety Analysis Report and other required documents. Prior to commencement of construction, investors must meet the same conditions applicable to nuclear power plants. During construction, any design modification affecting approved radiation safety, nuclear safety, or nuclear security measures must be reported to the competent authority for approval before continuation.

The requirements for commissioning and trial operation of research reactors are similar to those applicable to nuclear power plants.

For operation, requirements largely mirror those applicable to nuclear power plants. In cases of long-term reactor shutdown, the operating organization must develop a technical maintenance program, including technical and administrative measures, to ensure nuclear safety and security throughout the shutdown period.

Decommissioning of research reactors is subject to requirements similar to those applicable to nuclear power plants.

4. Notification and Declaration

Organizations and individuals are required to declare to the competent licensing authority within ten working days from the date they possess radioactive substances or radioactive waste with activity concentration or total activity exceeding exemption thresholds; radiation equipment with dose rates or maximum energy exceeding exemption thresholds; or source nuclear material, nuclear material, or nuclear equipment.

Organizations and individuals that plan to transfer or assign radioactive sources are required to declare such plans to the national radiation and nuclear safety authority within thirty days from the date the transfer or assignment plan is established.

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