Nearly half a century of development and strategic role of nuclear energy

On the afternoon of Sept 4, Party General Secretary To Lam, together with a central working delegation, visited the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (under the Ministry of Science and Technology) to assess its performance and development orientation. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and other senior leaders also attended the event.

Founded in 1976 as the Dalat Nuclear Research Institute and officially renamed in 1979, the institute now manages 12 subordinate units across Hanoi, Da Lat, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, with nearly 770 staff, including professors, associate professors, 81 PhDs, and more than 350 postgraduates. It oversees two national key research facilities: the Dalat nuclear reactor and an electron beam accelerator in Hanoi.

According to Dr. Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Institute, the Party and State have identified nuclear energy as a strategic sector since the early days of independence. Today, in the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, nuclear energy is regarded globally as a stable, safe and clean energy solution, helping address climate change and ensure energy security. Nuclear technology has also been applied widely in health, agriculture, industry, environmental management and even national defense.

Strategic orientation, digital transformation and international capacity building

Party General Secretary To Lam praised the important, often quiet contributions of generations of scientists and staff. He affirmed that nuclear power is not just an option but an objective requirement to ensure energy security, meet carbon neutrality commitments and drive industrialization and modernization.

He stressed that nuclear energy must develop with absolute safety as a foundation, never sacrificing safety for speed or size. Developing indigenous capabilities in key components, while engaging in international cooperation through co-design, co-production, co-operation and co-management, is an urgent requirement. He called this a long-term strategy requiring comprehensive approaches from institutions and infrastructure to technology and human resources.

The institute aims to become a leading nuclear research and development center in Vietnam and ASEAN, advancing toward global recognition. Its mission includes mastering nuclear technology, supporting sustainable development, and accelerating digital transformation in management and research. Digitalization and AI are to be applied in safety data management, equipment digitization, transparent data publishing, and regional risk assessment to enhance public trust.

Party General Secretary To Lam emphasized the need for high-quality human resources, professional technical standards, continuation of top experts, and attraction of domestic and international specialists. He highlighted the importance of special policies on salaries, allowances, strategic technology localization, and maintaining the institute’s role in research, technical support, incident response, and training.

He instructed investment in national nuclear research infrastructure, rapid yet safe and effective implementation of key projects, and enhancing Vietnam’s nuclear science and technology potential. Nuclear development, he stressed, must align with long-term strategic goals, national defense, security, and national prestige.

With a tradition of intellect, responsibility and innovation, Party General Secretary To Lam expressed confidence that the Institute, together with ministries, localities and the scientific community, will successfully fulfill its strategic mission. He urged relevant agencies to quickly concretize tasks, maintain close supervision, resolve difficulties promptly, and ensure every step is solid, transparent, effective and absolutely safe for the benefit of the people and the nation’s sustainable future.