Ministry of Science and Technology promotes cooperation with Saskatchewan in advanced nuclear technology

<p style="text-align: justify;">On August 5, 2026, during the working session with Ms. Richelle Bourgoin, Deputy Minister of Trade and Export Development for the Government of Saskatchewan, Canada, Vice Minister of Science and Technology Le Xuan Dinh proposed strengthening cooperation in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, human resource training, carbon capture, innovation, and green growth.</p>

Expanding cooperation in nuclear technology for peaceful purposes

Vice Minister Le Xuan Dinh stated that Viet Nam's energy demand will continue to rise as the nation advances toward its goal of becoming a developed country. Therefore, ensuring a stable, green, and clean energy supply is of paramount importance.

Viet Nam is currently interested in researching advanced nuclear technologies, particularly Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and Canada's CANDU reactor technology.

Vice Minister Le Xuan Dinh proposed that both sides promote cooperation between regulatory authorities, management bodies, technical organisations, and research institutes in the field of radiation and nuclear safety. Cooperation areas could focus on building legal frameworks, technical standards, safety assessments, licensing, nuclear security, emergency response, used fuel management, and radioactive waste management.

Viet Nam also hopes Canada will assist in training nuclear human resources through short-term and long-term programs, expert exchanges, hosting workshops, and connecting universities and research institutes from both sides.

Ms. Richelle Bourgoin noted that Saskatchewan possesses abundant uranium resources, has extensive experience in nuclear safety management, and is actively promoting human resource development with the participation of the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Regina, Saskatchewan Polytechnic, the Sylvia Fedoruk Center, and technology enterprises.

Ms. Richelle Bourgoin affirmed that Saskatchewan wishes to become a long-term partner of Viet Nam in training, scientific research, and nuclear energy development.

Promoting cooperation in CCUS and mineral processing

The two sides also discussed cooperation in Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS), deep processing of minerals, technology transfer, and commercialisation.

Ms. Richelle Bourgoin shared Saskatchewan's experience in applying CCUS at the Boundary Dam Power Station, combining carbon storage with enhanced oil recovery to reduce emissions and enhance extraction efficiency.

Vice Minister Le Xuan Dinh stated that this is a potential area for cooperation with Vietnamese oil, gas, and energy enterprises. Both sides can conduct joint research, technology transfer, and establish connections among research institutes, universities, and businesses.

The two sides agreed to explore drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Science and Technology of Viet Nam and the Government of the Province of Saskatchewan. The document is expected to focus on nuclear technology for peaceful purposes, CCUS, mineral processing, innovation, human resource development, and green growth./.