France's EDF seeks to collaborate with Vietnam's EVN in nuclear power, renewable energy

Electricite de France SA (EDF) says it is keen to research cooperation models suitable for Vietnam's energy development orientation, especially for nuclear power and renewable energy projects.

At a Monday meeting in Hanoi with Dang Hoang An, chairman of Vietnam's state utility EVN, EDF's chairman and CEO Bernard Fontana added that the French company is ready to share experiences, provide technical support, and train human resources.

The two sides discussed possibilities of cooperation in the energy sector, such as developing new power sources, renewable energy, pumped storage hydropower, energy storage, and grid operation.

At the meeting, on the EDF side, there were also Patrick Charignon, vice president Asia- Pacific and Karim Bregui, EDF International Division country manager.

Fontana affirmed that EVN is an important partner of EDF in Asia, and expressed his desire to continue accompanying Vietnam in its energy transition.

In response, EVN chairman An said he highly appreciates EDF's practical sharing on technology, cooperation models, and experience in implementing large-scale energy projects.

"EVN leaders are ready to cooperate with EDF in researching and proposing cooperation options in line with Vietnam's energy transition roadmap, promoting initiatives that ensure efficiency, sustainability and conformity with the group's development strategy," An added.

The two sides agreed to continue maintaining regular exchanges and develop a suitable cooperation roadmap based on the consensus and strengths of the two groups.

EDF, Japan’s Sojitz and Kyushu Electric Power, and Vietnam’s Pacific Corporation are the investors of the 2,250 MW Son My I LNG-fueled power plant in Binh Thuan province, south-central Vietnam.

The project received an in-principle nod from the Ministry of Trade and Industry in 2021 per build-operate-transfer (BOT) format. Covering 88.3 hectares, the $2.2 billion project is submitting a feasibility study report to the ministry for approval, towards operation in 2028.

During a discussion with Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in March this year, French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet affirmed that EDF intends to continue expanding its cooperation and investment in Vietnam’s energy sector, particularly in renewable energy and nuclear power projects.

In February 2025, PM Chinh assigned state-owned groups EVN and PVN to be investors of Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 nuclear power plants, respectively.

The PM also requested the Ministry of Industry and Trade to coordinate with relevant agencies to get nuclear power plants built towards completion by end-2030, or end-2031 at the latest.

Many countries have expressed their willingness to coooperate with Vietnam in nuclear power, such as South Korea, Russia, Japan, and France.

Vietnamese President Luong Cuong and French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday witnessed the exchange of many cooperation documents between the two countries. The French President and his spouse are on a state visit to Vietnam from May 25-27.