Agreement. Russia and Vietnam have signed an intergovernmental agreement on the construction of the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant. The document was signed during the visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh to Moscow. The agreement provides for the construction of two Russian-designed power units equipped with VVER-1200 reactors delivering a combined capacity of 2,400 MW. The Leningrad II NPP (Units 1 and 2) was chosen as the reference design for the project in Vietnam. “For us, this is not merely a construction agreement for two nuclear power units. We see it as the foundation for a long-term industrial partnership that will strengthen Vietnam’s energy independence and unlock new opportunities for economic growth,” stated Rosatom Director General Alexey Likhachev. Beyond the flagship Ninh Thuan 1 project, Russia and Vietnam are continuing to work on the construction of a Nuclear Science and Technology Center in Vietnam, which will feature a Russian-designed research reactor. Another pillar of Russian-Vietnamese cooperation in the nuclear sector is the successful operation of the Dalat research reactor, which runs on Russian-supplied fuel and produces medical isotopes for Vietnam’s healthcare system.

Cooperation. Russia and Uzbekistan have adopted a roadmap for cooperation in the nuclear and related sectors. The document covers all major areas of collaboration on the nuclear plant construction project, including personnel training, public awareness campaigns on advanced nuclear technologies, and the planned establishment of a dedicated “nuclear host town” adjacent to the plant. An addendum to the agreement, signed alongside the roadmap, introduces a revised plant configuration for the nuclear power plant. It will comprise two large power units with VVER-1000 reactors and two small modular reactor (SMR) units with RITM-200N reactors, each with a capacity of 55 MW. Concurrently with the signing of the documents, concrete works commenced at the plant construction site in Uzbekistan’s Jizzakh region for the first RITM-200N SMR unit. This follows the recent issuance of a site license for the two SMR power units.

Contest. The BRICS Nuclear Energy Platform and Rosatom have launched the Atoms Empowering Africa video contest. Contestants are invited to submit short videos exploring how nuclear technology can support sustainable development in their countries, addressing one of five approved topics. The competition is open to residents of African nations aged 18 to 35. “Today, many African countries are actively discussing the role of modern nuclear technologies in long-term development, from securing reliable electricity to implementing advanced solutions in medicine and agriculture. Atoms Empowering Africa engages a new generation — students, entrepreneurs, and young professionals from across the continent — in these critical conversations,” said Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa. Submissions will be accepted until May 1, after which the jury will evaluate the entries. Detailed information on the contest rules and submission requirements are available on the Rosatom Africa website at rosatomafrica.com.