Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom and Vietnam's Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI) have held talks in Russia on cooperation for implementing the Center for Nuclear Science and Technology (CNST) project in southern Dong Nai city, Vietnam.
According to Rosatom, the talks took place in Dimitrovgrad during a visit to Russia by Mr. Nguyen Kien Cuong, DNRI Deputy Director. Representatives of Rosatom’s leadership and enterprises operating in Russia’s nuclear industry also attended the meeting.
During the talks, the two sides focused on technical and organizational aspects of the CNST project, while reviewing additional requirements from the Vietnamese side concerning fuel utilization and silicon doping technology.
Discussions also covered the technical design of the reactor system and requirements for the research laboratories to be established at the CNST.
A 10 MW research reactor with potential for expansion to 15 MW
According to Rosatom, the proposed CNST in Vietnam will comprise a 10 MW research reactor, with the possibility of upgrading to 15 MW, together with a specialized scientific and industrial laboratory complex.
The facility is expected to provide a foundation for expanding nuclear research, training highly qualified personnel, and promoting the application of nuclear technology across various sectors. Key areas of application include the production of radioisotopes for cancer diagnosis and treatment, the development of advanced materials for the microelectronics industry, radiopharmaceutical production, and doped silicon for the semiconductor industry.
Mr. Alexander Tuzov, Director of the State Scientific Center - Research Institute of Atomic Reactors (SSC RIAR), said the project forms part of Vietnam’s long-term strategy to develop the peaceful applications of nuclear energy.
He noted that, alongside the development of the new center, Vietnam continues to operate the Da Lat Research Reactor, which uses Russian-supplied fuel and produces medical radioisotopes for domestic needs.
The new center is expected to provide fresh impetus not only to nuclear science but also to related fields such as medicine, materials science and biotechnology.
Mr. Ilya Vergizaev, Director General of Rosatom Technologies of Construction, described the project as one of the important cooperation initiatives in the history of Russia-Vietnam relations.
With a 10 MW research reactor that can be expanded to 15 MW, the center will enable Vietnamese scientists to access modern research equipment, strengthen their research capabilities and develop nuclear technology products with practical applications, he said.
Both sides continue discussions on the construction contract
Regarding project progress, Rosatom said that in April 2026, specialists from the State Specialized Design Institute of Russia handed over the feasibility study (FS) for the CNST project to the Vietnamese side.
Following the handover, the two sides began addressing the Vietnamese client's requirements and discussing the construction contract.
Notably, in a joint statement issued in September 2026 following talks between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Vietnam’s General Secretary and State President To Lam, both sides reaffirmed their intention to continue implementing the CNST project.
On the Russian side, Rosatom Technologies of Construction is responsible for implementing projects involving the design and construction of medical facilities, scientific research centers and industrial facilities. The company has experience in designing and building nuclear science and technology centers incorporating research reactors and laboratory systems.
Meanwhile, SSC RIAR is one of Russia’s major nuclear research centers, with capabilities in experimental reactor research, nuclear materials science and nuclear fuel cycle technologies. It is also involved in the production and supply of radioisotopes for medical, industrial and specialized applications.
Continued discussions on technical requirements and the construction contract indicate that both sides are advancing the next stages of project preparation. Once operational, the CNST is expected to strengthen Vietnam’s nuclear research and technology application capabilities, while supporting the development of highly qualified human resources to serve the country’s science and technology development objectives.
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