From a Nuclear Reactor to a National Strategic Decision
More than 40 years on, the Da Lat Nuclear Research Reactor continues to operate quietly and safely in the misty highlands. Few know that behind this one-of-a-kind facility — American-built on the outside, Russian at its core — lies a decades-long journey of perseverance and Vietnamese ingenuity. More than a scientific facility, the reactor has become a “cradle” for nurturing, preserving and cultivating the nation’s invaluable nuclear expertise.
Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, issued by the Politburo, has provided a historic impetus, placing nuclear energy at the heart of efforts to ensure national energy security. Within this strategic landscape, Da Lat–Lam Dong is no longer simply a hub for scientific research, but has emerged as the “nucleus of the nuclear sector” — a place that provides the technical basis, safety infrastructure and a springboard for the development of Vietnam’s nuclear power industry
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The Politburo Resolution No. 70/2025/NQ-TW outlines the goal of ensuring national energy security through 2030, with a vision extending to 2045.
By 2030, Vietnam is required to rapidly advance the development of nuclear power, achieving a minimum generating capacity of 6,000 MW, thereby establishing it as a crucial baseload power source to maintain the safe and reliable functioning of the national power system in light of the country's fast-paced industrialization and modernization.
In evaluating the importance of this policy choice, General Secretary To Lam highlighted: “For Vietnam, the development of atomic energy, especially nuclear power, is no longer merely an option but has become a critical and immediate necessity to ensure national energy security, uphold the country’s pledge to achieve carbon neutrality, and serve as a significant catalyst for national industrialization and modernization.”
From an expert standpoint, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Nhi Dien clarified: “Nuclear power is a sustainable energy source generated through nuclear fission, capable of providing subtstantial baseload power, functioning continually and reliably, while emitting nearly no greenhouse gases. Within a contemporary energy portfolio, it serves as a fundamental baseload power source, essential for maintaining energy security and preventing interruptions to the national power grid.”
The land of Da Lat - Lam Dong has now become the central hub for the nuclear sector in the strategic efforts aimed at achieving Vietnam’s goals for nuclear power development.
This is due to Lam Dong's early establishment of a foundation in nuclear science and technology, which has been continually enhanced and built upon over generations.
The advantages here extend beyond just facilities, workshops, or equipment; more importantly, there is a wealth of knowledge, skilled human resources, hands-on research experience, and the ability to organize highly specialized scientific endeavors.
In the nuclear industry, where utmost accuracy and rigorous safety protocols are crucial, these resources hold significant value. Scientific expertise endeavors cannot be acquired quickly or purchased; it necessitates a lengthy process of development.
Dr. Cao Dong Vu, Director of the Nuclear Research Institute, stated that the Da Lat Nuclear Research Reactor is currently the most appropriate facility in the country, possessing the essential capabilities and practical conditions for providing comprehensive training in nuclear reactor operations for aspiring engineers.
Over decades of work in nuclear physics, neutron activation analysis, radioisotope production and the application of nuclear techniques in healthcare, agriculture, industry and environmental protection, Da Lat has built a team of leading experts with extensive practical experience in research, reactor operation, radiation safety and nuclear technology.
This represents a particularly valuable scientific resource for the development of Vietnam’s atomic energy sector.
In a national nuclear power program, Vietnam needs to establish a domestic expert system that can perform technical analysis, verification, and independent technical assessments, alongside the capabilities of project investors and international technology providers.
This system will aid state regulatory bodies in conducting safety evaluations, issuing operating licenses, and overseeing operations. It is a vital element of the national nuclear safety framework, ensuring that regulatory choices are grounded in solid scientific principles and carefully evaluated technical data , while also boosting public trust.
The experience gained from Da Lat offers exceptionally favorable conditions for building this independent capacity.
As Vietnam advances in nuclear power, the goal of technological self-reliance will encompass more than just the facility's major equipment. It will also involve a diverse array of supporting sectors, such as heat-resistant materials, advanced measurement tools, nuclear electronics, mathematical modeling, safety assessments, non-destructive testing, and specialized technical services.
With its current capabilities, Da Lat has significant potential to engage directly in research, testing, evaluation, and technology development, thereby enhancing the internal capacities of local scientific institutions and businesses.
The opportunity for Lam Dong at this stage is not simply to continue promoting Da Lat’s tradition of scientific research, but also to proactively participate in developing a science and technology ecosystem capable of making direct contributions to the country’s major goals and turning nuclear energy into a new driver of development.
In addition to enhancing research capabilities and ensuring radiation safety, the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee has promptly executed the tasks assigned under Resolution 70.
At the end of 2025, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee, Dang Hong Sy, approved and issued the Party Committee’s action plan for the implementation of Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW. Based on this, the province has progressively reinforced its state management systems in the area.
By July 2026, the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee had officially announced a list of 22 amended and supplemented administrative procedures in the field of radiation and nuclear safety, bringing the processing of these procedures under the province’s Public Administration Service Center.
This is a concrete step toward strengthening governance capacity and creating a more streamlined legal framework for the systematic implementation of atomic energy research and applications.
The challenge for Lam Dong is not simply to “preserve” a nuclear research facility, but to transform its existing resources into new development value by connecting the Nuclear Research Institute with educational institutions, developing the next generation of human resources, promoting applied research and creating conditions for businesses to participate in suitable supporting industries.
Acknowledging the obstacles that lie ahead, Dr. Trinh Thi Tu Anh, a nuclear physicist and a full-time National Assembly deputy representing Lam Dong Province, as well as a member of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment, pointed out that the main challenge for Lam Dong is not the absence of scientific foundations, but rather how to effectively utilize those foundations within a new development landscape.
Leveraging her experience in legislative work, Dr. Trinh Thi Tu Anh emphasized the need to strengthen nuclear science capabilities in Da Lat as part of the comprehensive execution of Politburo Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW, which requires collaborative efforts to improve institutions, secure necessary resources, and reform organizational methods.
In particular, the Lam Dong provincial administration should proactively develop a project to leverage Da Lat’s nuclear science and technology advantages, while closely coordinating with central ministries and agencies, the Nuclear Research Institute, universities and businesses.
The province should actively foster an innovation ecosystem, encouraging businesses to engage in applied research, manufacturing of equipment, and offering technical services.
Efforts to attract businesses should be closely aligned with their real capabilities and their potential to generate high-value-added products.
Once the Party’s strategic directions are institutionalized in a coordinated manner and the locality adopts a proactive approach, Lam Dong’s “nuclear capital” will become a powerful resource for ensuring national energy security.
(To be continued)
