Vietnam and Russia are deepening their collaboration in the energy sector, focusing on liquefied natural gas (LNG) and nuclear energy projects.
Russian President Vladimir Putin’s recent visit to Vietnam has opened new opportunities for partnership in these critical areas. Russia’s Novatek, a leading LNG producer and exporter, plans to implement LNG projects in Vietnam, reinforcing the longstanding Vietsovpetro joint venture, which has efficiently explored Vietnam’s continental shelf for decades. Under the Power Development Plan VIII (PDP8), Vietnam aims to transition away from coal and increase LNG’s share to 25% of its power generation by 2030. Currently, domestic LNG production falls short of Vietnam’s needs, necessitating substantial imports and investment.
Putin emphasized Russia’s readiness to supply hydrocarbons, including LNG, to Vietnam, with Novatek exploring the potential for LNG terminals and supply projects in the country. Vietnam’s LNG demand is expected to surge, positioning it as a key driver in the Southeast Asian LNG market by 2030. Experts anticipate Vietnam’s significant role in the global LNG market, driven by PDP8’s ambitious goals.
In nuclear energy, Vietnam and Russia are developing a Nuclear Technology Research Centre in Long Khanh City, Dong Nai Province. The centre will feature a 10MW research reactor using Russian-manufactured low-enriched fuel, aiming to produce radiopharmaceuticals and irradiate silicon for semiconductors. This project, under an intergovernmental agreement signed in 2011 and approved in 2018, marks Vietnam’s first large-capacity research reactor initiative.
The new reactor will significantly enhance Vietnam’s capacity to produce radiopharmaceuticals, crucial for cancer treatment. The Ministry of Science and Technology is forming specialized teams and collaborating with international institutions for long-term personnel training. This project underscores Vietnam’s commitment to developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and socio-economic development, strengthening Vietnam-Russia scientific and technological cooperation. The successful implementation of these projects is expected to solidify Vietnam and Russia’s partnership, paving the way for further collaboration in the energy sector.