Vietnam and Japan Plan to Strengthen Cooperation on Small Modular Reactor Technology Research

On the afternoon of July 22, Le Xuan Dinh, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology of Vietnam, met with a delegation led by Kiyoki Soramoto, President and CEO of the International Energy and Technology Development Support Organization (IETDSO). During the meeting, he stated that nuclear energy—including Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology—is a key area of ​​focus for Vietnam.

Le Xuan Dinh noted that SMR technology is an emerging field offering developing nations the opportunity to participate in research, application, and the gradual mastery of the technology. However, its deployment also places higher demands on technological maturity, regulatory capacity, nuclear safety, licensing procedures, and the availability of skilled personnel.

Vietnam has incorporated nuclear power—encompassing both large-scale and small-scale reactors—into its power development planning. The national strategy for the development and utilization of atomic energy explicitly covers both large and small nuclear power models. Furthermore, the revised Atomic Energy Law (scheduled for 2025) introduces new provisions regarding state management and technical standards for SMRs.

Le Xuan Dinh expressed hope that Japanese experts would share their knowledge, practical experience, and proven research findings to assist Vietnam in establishing a legal framework, safety regulatory system, and licensing procedures tailored to the country's specific conditions. He also proposed strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas such as joint SMR technology research, personnel training, and the exchange of experience regarding management and safety.

Kiyoki Soramoto stated that safety and legal frameworks are two critical aspects of nuclear power development. Japan is willing to share the practical experience and lessons it has gained in standard setting, regulatory development, and nuclear safety management with other nations.

The Japanese experts also proposed launching joint research projects with Vietnam that combine SMR technology research with the training of young managers and researchers, thereby helping Vietnam progressively enhance its capabilities in SMR research, design, management, and deployment.

Le Xuan Dinh welcomed this proposal, affirming that the Ministry of Science and Technology would prioritize supporting concrete cooperation between IETDSO and Vietnamese specialized agencies, particularly by advancing practical projects in SMR research and nuclear energy workforce development.