The national scheme outlines clear targets, with a primary focus by 2030 on ensuring that all individuals involved in the state management of atomic energy, at both central and local levels, receive specialized professional training. This training is crucial for them to effectively manage duties pertaining to radiation safety, nuclear safety, nuclear security, and the application of atomic energy. Furthermore, Vietnam aims to forge a core cadre of highly skilled research and development specialists. These experts will be instrumental in mastering, transferring, and advancing nuclear technologies, thereby supporting the nation’s future nuclear power ambitions and the wider adoption of radiation and radioisotopes across various socio-economic fields. The development of a specialized workforce for the safe and efficient operation of research nuclear reactors is also a critical component, intended to serve scientific research, education, and the production of radioisotopes.

The scheme extends its reach to encompass full training for technical support personnel who serve regulatory agencies. This is to equip them with the capabilities to conduct thorough appraisals, inspections, environmental radiation monitoring, and effective emergency response activities. Personnel tasked with nuclear security, radiation monitoring, and incident response across different ministries and sectors will also undergo advanced professional training. A fundamental requirement will be that all radiation workers at licensed facilities receive radiation safety training, adhering strictly to all legal regulations. The overarching goal is to build a proficient workforce capable of managing radiation technologies safely and effectively in critical sectors such as healthcare, industry, agriculture, environmental protection, and other technical domains. The continuous pursuit of atomic energy workforce development is central to these objectives.

Looking beyond 2030, by 2035, Vietnam aspires to achieve a milestone where 100 percent of state management personnel within the atomic energy sector are fully trained and continuously retrained to meet evolving professional requirements. The national radiation and nuclear safety authority is projected to attain a significant level of self-reliance, aiming to conduct up to 70 percent of appraisal, assessment, inspection, and supervision activities for nuclear power projects independently, and achieve full autonomy for research reactor projects. The long-term vision extends to 2050, envisioning a highly skilled workforce capable of independently undertaking complex tasks such as safety analyses, technical assessments, licensing, inspections, supervision, and emergency response for both large-scale nuclear reactors and the emerging small modular reactors. This strategic initiative is also expected to significantly enhance Vietnam’s capacity for coordinated action in the crucial areas of radiation safety, nuclear safety, and nuclear security, reinforcing its commitment to responsible atomic energy workforce development.

The scope of this approved plan is broad, covering personnel within state management agencies, public and private scientific organizations, enterprises, technical support institutions, and facilities that utilize radiation technologies. Training programs will be meticulously tailored to the specific needs of these diverse groups and will be delivered through a variety of formats. These will include short-term and advanced courses, postgraduate education, on-site training sessions, and specialized radiation safety programs. The scheme further stipulates measures to modernize training curricula, upgrade essential infrastructure, expand international cooperation initiatives, and accelerate the digital transformation of training processes and human resource management within the atomic energy sector. This holistic approach underscores the critical importance of strategic atomic energy workforce development for the nation’s progress.

The launch ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. Also in attendance were Terengganu Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Razali Idris, TNB Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid, and TNB President and Chief Executive Officer Datuk Shamsul Ahmad. The project is situated at the main intake substation (PMU) 132/33kV BESS Santong and serves as a critical component in the broader renewable energy integration strategy for the country.

During the launch of Malaysia’s first grid-connected BESS Santong, TNB Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Razak Abdul Majid highlighted that the battery energy storage system is vital for maintaining national grid stability.

“Bess Santong plays an important role in ensuring grid stability through its rapid response capability to the imbalance of electricity supply and demand,” he said.

He further added, “Bess Santong functions as a smart energy bank that stores electricity from RE sources such as large-scale solar farms and hybrid hydro-floating solar systems before being fed back into the grid when needed.”

The project, Malaysia’s first grid-connected BESS, was developed on a 1.2-hectare site and reached operational status on April 16. Remarkably, the project was completed within 309 days from its commencement, showcasing TNB’s efficiency in delivering complex energy infrastructure. According to Razak , the system is capable of supporting the electricity needs of approximately 40,000 households on the East Coast, depending on current consumption patterns.

A technical highlight of the Santong facility is its use of liquid-cooling technology and grid-forming capabilities. These features are essential for Malaysia’s energy transition as they allow for the integration of renewable energy on a significantly larger scale. By utilizing a 100MW 400MWh battery, the system balances real-time fluctuations, thereby reducing physical pressure on the grid and enhancing overall operational efficiency.

“The system supports peak load management and the integration of solar energy on a larger scale through grid-forming capabilities,” TNB Chief Executive Officer Datuk Shamsul Ahmad added.

The development of the Santong BESS is closely aligned with the aspirations of the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR). This roadmap emphasizes the necessity of strengthening grid infrastructure to accommodate a greener energy mix.

“The analytical and digital approach in forecasting energy demand, optimising supply distribution, and real-time asset monitoring also strengthens the operational efficiency of the national grid,” Ahmad said.

Officials, diplomats, and industry leaders at the event highlighted the potential role of small modular reactors in assisting Vietnam to diversify its energy sources. This focus aligns with the country’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Đào Quang Bính, General Director of VnEconomy, a co-organizer of the conference, noted in his opening remarks that the global energy sector is at a critical juncture. He emphasized that in the face of climate change and supply chain vulnerabilities, the commitment to net-zero is now a driving force behind investment trends.

Within Vietnam, energy security is identified as a paramount concern, fueling the demand for clean, reliable, and self-sufficient power generation. The exploration of SMR models is intrinsically linked to the development of new energy strategies under the revised Power Development Plan VIII, providing a foundational basis for a sustainable national energy strategy.

Dmitry Aleksandrovich Raspopin, a representative from Rosatom in Vietnam, elaborated on the advantages offered by SMRs in meeting contemporary energy demands. He described the technology as adaptable, with applications extending beyond electricity generation to include district heating and cooling, powering data centers, and replacing conventional power plants. The compact nature of SMRs and their reduced emergency planning zones are seen as facilitators for integration into existing urban environments. Furthermore, these reactors are considered well-suited for smaller power grids and remote locations that present logistical challenges. SMRs provide efficient land utilization and near-zero emissions, while ensuring a stable and continuous power supply irrespective of weather patterns. Rosatom is currently involved in a substantial number of global nuclear power plant projects.

Susie Ho, Director of New Nuclear at Laurentis Energy Partners, observed that the international nuclear sector has entered a new phase of deployment, with countries transitioning from making pledges to actively commencing construction. She identified 2024 as a pivotal year for the industry, citing commitments made at COP28 by over 20 nations to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050. The key question, she stated, is the practical realization of these ambitious targets.

Ho further indicated that progress in nuclear development hinges on expedited licensing processes, robust supply chains, and dedicated workforce development. She anticipates the next five years will be crucial for shifting focus from planning to implementation, driven by decarbonization imperatives, energy security concerns, and the escalating power demands of artificial intelligence. Laurentis Energy Partners projects that by 2030, between 20 and 30 SMR projects could be in construction or advanced licensing stages globally, representing a market value of $100-150 billion.

However, she also cautioned about significant structural challenges facing the industry. These include a shortage of skilled labor, diminished deployment capacity following years of project stagnation, and an underdeveloped supply chain for nuclear-grade components. Many suppliers are unable to meet stringent nuclear quality standards, and certification processes, such as ISO 9001, entail considerable upfront investment. A primary obstacle lies in the reluctance of suppliers to invest without secured contracts, while projects remain stalled without certified suppliers. The nuclear sector also competes with the rapidly expanding artificial intelligence industry for critical materials like copper and high-voltage electrical equipment, as AI-driven data center expansion drives prices to multi-decade highs.

Beyond technical hurdles and workforce deficits, financing remains a principal challenge for nuclear power, given the substantial initial capital investment required and extended payback periods. To address this, several countries have implemented innovative financing mechanisms designed to mitigate investor risk and enhance the bankability of nuclear projects.

Ho suggested that Vietnam need not bear the entire financial burden of nuclear power development independently. Appropriately structured financing could effectively align the interests of the state, electricity consumers, and international investors. She affirmed Vietnam’s capacity and ambition to participate, emphasizing a shift in focus from feasibility studies to the construction of the necessary infrastructure to support long-term nuclear advancement and solidify the nation’s position as a clean energy industrial hub. The era of nuclear power deployment, she concluded, presents a significant opportunity for Vietnam to embrace.

Previously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade put forward a proposal to permit private enterprises to engage in the research and development of small modular reactors. This proposal is part of a draft resolution aimed at dismantling barriers to national energy development between 2026 and 2030. Article 10, Chapter III of the draft, would allow private companies to conduct research and invest in SMR projects. The draft resolution encourages private sector participation in SMR development to provide electricity for industrial ventures, including steel plants, petrochemical complexes, and data centers. Private entities may also partake in joint research, technology development, and technology transfer initiatives. For the public sector, state-owned corporations and research institutes will be authorized to collaborate with private investors throughout the entire process, from initial research and technological development to construction and operation.

In launching its Japan-based battery business, SoftBank is collaborating with two companies possessing expertise in advanced battery-related technologies. For battery cells, with a view to mass production, SoftBank began collaborating with COSMOS LAB (CEO: Ju-Hyuk Lee, “COSMOS LAB”) to jointly develop innovative battery cells that combine highly safe and non-flammable characteristics with superior energy storage performance. The zinc-halogen batteries developed by COSMOS LAB use pure water as its electrolyte, and its key feature is its ability to eliminate fire risks associated with the currently dominant lithium-ion batteries. SoftBank and COSMOS LAB aim to establish technology for mass production at an early stage, and commence mass production around FY2027.

For energy storage systems, SoftBank began collaborating with DeltaX Co., Ltd. (CEO: Stephen Kim, “DeltaX”) to develop and manufacture an energy storage system that achieves world-class energy density.*2 In the development of energy storage systems, DeltaX’s Cell Connecting System (CCS) design*3 and Cell to Pack (CTP) technology*4 make it possible to maximize the performance of each individual battery cell, and by applying these technologies to next-generation battery cells, further improvements in energy storage performance can be achieved. Furthermore, SoftBank will integrate an energy management system (EMS) equipped with AI-based power demand forecasting capabilities developed through its electricity business, and design and develop an energy storage system that achieves world-class energy density, with the aim of achieving mass production on a GWh-per-year scale.

SoftBank plans to deploy these Japan-produced batteries at the large-scale AI data centers it is developing. SoftBank also plans to provide them sequentially for grid applications in Japan, as well as for factories and other industrial uses, as well as for residential use, with a view to expanding into global markets over the medium term. Through these initiatives, SoftBank aims to achieve annual revenue of over 100 billion JPY for its domestic battery business by FY2030.

About Innovative Battery Cells

Innovative battery cells are the world’s first*5 to integrate the technologies of two types of next-generation batteries that are attracting attention as future battery technologies. By using a halogen-based material for the cathode and zinc for the anode, it offers charge-discharge characteristics with minimal energy loss and achieves energy efficiency equal to or greater than lithium-ion batteries.

In addition, as innovative battery cells do not use a flammable organic electrolyte and instead use pure water as the electrolyte, the risk of ignition does not arise in principle due to its structure, thereby achieving a high level of safety. Furthermore, key raw materials, such as halogen and zinc, can be procured locally in Japan, helping to strengthen the supply chain.

About Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)

A battery energy storage system (BESS) is energy infrastructure centered on battery cells that handle power storage, supply and supply–demand optimization. With the expansion of renewable energy adoption and increasing variability in power supply and demand, BESS is becoming critical infrastructure that supports the stable supply of electricity. This system leverages DeltaX’s world-leading BESS technologies. Through the adoption of its proprietary CCS design and CTP technology, along with rigorous reductions in component count and the minimization of unused space within the enclosure, DeltaX has achieved a storage capacity of 5.37 MWh in a standard containerized lithium-ion battery BESS and aims to achieve comparable or greater capacity with innovative battery cells.

In addition, by incorporating an EMS equipped with an AI-based power demand forecasting function developed independently by SoftBank, optimal control of charging and discharging will be achieved, enabling efficient and stable operation in accordance with varying electricity demand and renewable energy generation levels.

Through this business, SoftBank will actively promote initiatives to ensure a stable supply of electricity and enable efficient energy utilization while contributing to the development of next-generation power infrastructure in Japan.

According to Nguyen Manh Quang, deputy head of the Business and Power Purchase Department under the Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the national power system has faced “dual pressure” since the beginning of 2026 because of rapidly increasing electricity demand and geopolitical developments affecting imported fuel supplies. The forecast impact of the El Nino phenomenon is also expected to reduce water inflows into hydropower reservoirs, creating additional strain on electricity generation capacity. In response, EVN has implemented measures aligned with Resolution No. 70-NQ/TW of the Politburo and Directive No. 10/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister. The utility has formed a steering committee dedicated to electricity supply management for 2026 while coordinating with the National System and Market Operator (NSMO) to create flexible operating scenarios designed to maintain energy security and avoid a power shortage situation during the dry season.

Among EVN’s major priorities is the expansion of self-produced and self-consumed rooftop solar power. Power corporations have introduced online registration systems through websites and customer service applications to simplify customer participation. EVN has additionally proposed a “one-stop-shop” mechanism to streamline investment procedures while also recommending green credit policies and preferential financing support. Alongside rooftop solar development, EVN is pushing forward electricity-saving programmes and demand response (DR) initiatives. The utility aims to save 3% of total electricity consumption in 2026 while targeting a reduction of around 10% during the peak dry-season period between April and July. Industrial parks and businesses are being encouraged to shift operating schedules away from peak hours to help ease pressure on the grid and reduce the likelihood of a power shortage.

EVN is also studying adjustments to peak-hour electricity pricing, including extending the peak pricing window from 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. to better align with current consumption patterns. At the same time, the company is evaluating additional incentives for customers participating in demand response programmes. As renewable energy contributes a growing share of Vietnam’s electricity mix, battery energy storage systems are increasingly viewed as critical to improving grid stability. EVN has tasked the Northern Power Corporation (EVNNPC) with developing 530 MW of BESS capacity, while the Hanoi Power Corporation (EVNHANOI) is assigned 275 MW and the National Power Transmission Corporation (EVNNPT) approximately 300 MW. These projects are expected to support transmission flexibility and ease grid pressure during peak demand periods.

Nguyen The Huu, Deputy Director of the Electricity Authority under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, said the ministry approved the national power system operation plan for 2026 in late 2025. Under the base scenario, electricity demand growth is projected at around 8.5%, although an extreme dry-season scenario could see growth rise to 14.1%. To address these risks, the ministry is prioritising efficient use of all available power sources, especially hydropower. Reservoirs in northern Vietnam are maintaining elevated water levels ahead of peak dry-season demand. Authorities are simultaneously working to strengthen fuel supply for gas-fired thermal plants and accelerate major generation and transmission projects. The Vung Ang II thermal power plant has entered commercial operation, contributing around 1,300 MW to the national grid, while upgrades at several 500kV substations, including Pho Noi, Lai Chau and Hoa Binh, are intended to improve electricity transmission to northern regions.

The ministry has also directed power producers to maintain strict maintenance schedules to maximise generating unit availability while continuing the rollout of BESS, rooftop solar systems and demand-side management initiatives. Authorities noted that tensions in the Middle East have affected global LNG supply and prices and indirectly influenced coal markets through rising transportation costs. However, officials stated the impact on Vietnam remains limited because imported LNG still accounts for a relatively small proportion of the country’s power generation fuel mix. Regarding coal supply, relevant agencies have been instructed to diversify suppliers, increase reserves and strengthen domestic mining capacity to ensure uninterrupted fuel availability for power generation.

By the end of the first quarter of 2026, renewable energy sources including wind, solar and biomass represented approximately 26% of Vietnam’s installed power capacity. Despite this progress, these resources remain highly dependent on weather conditions, prompting authorities to view pumped-storage hydropower and energy storage systems as essential for improving power regulation and renewable energy optimisation. EVN also warned that pressure on electricity supply is expected to increase during the second quarter of 2026 due to hotter weather, industrial recovery, the expansion of artificial intelligence and digital transformation, and rising electric vehicle adoption.

To maintain system reliability, EVN has instructed generating units to secure adequate fuel supplies, maintain generating unit availability according to NSMO requirements, and operate hydropower reservoirs flexibly to balance agricultural water needs with electricity generation. EVNNPT is focusing on equipment maintenance, accelerating BESS installation and ensuring safe transmission operations, particularly in northern Vietnam. Meanwhile, EVN is expediting several major projects, including the Quang Trach I thermal power plant, which is expected to connect its first unit to the national grid in April 2026 and begin commercial operation in May 2026. Development work is also progressing on the Quang Trach II and III LNG power plants, the expanded Tri An hydropower plant and the Bac Ai pumped-storage hydropower project.

Several urgent transmission projects are also scheduled for completion during the second quarter of 2026, including the 500/220kV Nho Quan – Phu Ly – Thuong Tin transmission line, the 220kV Nhon Trach 3 power plant – Long Thanh line, the 220kV West Hanoi – Thanh Xuan line, the 220kV Dai Mo substation, and 110kV transmission lines supplying power to Phu Quoc ahead of APEC-related activities. Through coordinated efforts across power generation, transmission, electricity conservation, energy storage and demand management, Vietnam’s power sector aims to maintain energy security, fight power shortage and support socio-economic development despite continuing volatility in the global energy market.

A recent government directive, issued following a high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, mandates authorities to guarantee an uninterrupted energy supply. A key component of this plan involves enhancing electricity imports from neighboring countries, with a pronounced focus on Laos and China. The directive underscores Vietnam’s growing dependence on cross-border power trade, highlighting Laos’s pivotal role due to its expanding portfolio of hydropower and renewable energy projects.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with expediting the construction of additional power lines to facilitate greater electricity transmission to northern Vietnam. These infrastructure improvements are targeted for implementation as early as 2027, signaling a commitment to strengthening the physical links for power exchange.

Recent data illustrates the escalating importance of Laos in Vietnam’s energy matrix. In the first quarter of 2026, Laos supplied a record 2.92 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity to Vietnam, representing approximately 3.8 percent of Vietnam’s total power output, according to a report. This figure represents a substantial increase of nearly 120 percent compared to the 1.33 billion kWh transmitted in the same period of 2025, a testament to improved cross-border transmission capabilities and the successful commissioning of new renewable energy initiatives in Laos.

By the close of 2025, Vietnamese authorities had already greenlit electricity imports from 47 projects located in Laos, collectively boasting an installed capacity of 8,260 megawatts (MW). Of these, power plants with an installed capacity of 2,379 MW were actively supplying electricity last year, an increase from the 1,700 MW in 2024, indicating a robust pipeline of export-oriented generation projects in Laos.

In a significant development, the Vietnamese government has expressed its readiness to review existing inter-governmental agreements and adjust its national power development plan to accommodate larger electricity purchases from Laos. This flexibility is expected to unlock further opportunities for Lao energy exports as more generation capacity comes online. This aligns directly with the Lao government’s ambition to establish itself as a substantial regional energy exporter, capitalizing on its extensive hydropower resources and burgeoning investments in wind and solar energy. The increasing demand from Vietnam is poised to boost export revenues and stimulate further investment in Laos’s energy sector, especially as new generation capacity becomes operational.

While Vietnam is concurrently exploring short-term contingency measures, such as the potential deployment of floating power plants to address immediate supply gaps, particularly in its industrialized northern region, imports from Laos are projected to assume a more sustainable and significant role in meeting medium to long-term energy demands. The directive also advocates for enhanced energy efficiency through electricity-saving campaigns and the wider adoption of rooftop solar systems integrated with battery storage. These initiatives are designed to alleviate pressure on the national grid and support a broader transition towards cleaner energy sources. As regional energy integration deepens, the power partnership between Laos and Vietnam is poised to become a crucial component of mainland Southeast Asia’s evolving energy infrastructure.

“Energy and digital access will define the region’s future,” said ADB President Masato Kanda. “These two initiatives build the systems Asia and the Pacific need to grow, compete, and connect. By linking power grids and digital networks across borders, we can lower costs, expand opportunity, and bring reliable power and digital access to hundreds of millions of people.” His remarks underscore the central role that power grids and digital networks will play in shaping long-term regional growth.

At the core of the strategy is the Pan-Asia Power Grid Initiative, which aims to connect national and subregional systems to enable renewable energy to move efficiently across borders. Through collaboration with governments, utilities, private sector participants, and development partners, ADB plans to mobilize $50 billion by 2035 for cross-border power infrastructure. The effort will prioritize transmission expansion, grid integration, substations, storage, and grid digitalization, alongside generation projects tied to electricity trade. By 2035, targets include integrating about 20 gigawatts of renewable energy across borders, building 22,000 circuit-kilometers of transmission lines, improving energy access for 200 million people, generating 840,000 jobs, and reducing regional power sector emissions by 15%. The shift signals a move toward a more coordinated regional framework, building on existing programs such as the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation program, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation grid interconnection planning, the ASEAN Power Grid, and the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Energy Strategy 2030.

Complementing this, the Asia-Pacific Digital Highway will mobilize $20 billion by 2035 to expand digital corridors and data infrastructure, helping economies capitalize on AI-driven growth. Investments will cover terrestrial and subsea fiber networks, satellite connectivity, and regional data centers, alongside policy and regulatory support such as cybersecurity risk management and skills development. The initiative aims to deliver first-time broadband access to 200 million people and improve connectivity for another 450 million, while lowering costs in remote and landlocked areas by about 40% and creating 4 million jobs. ADB plans to finance $15 billion directly and raise $5 billion through cofinancing, with additional backing from the Government of the Republic of Korea for a Center for AI Innovation and Development in Seoul. Together, these initiatives reinforce the integration of power grids and digital networks, positioning them as critical drivers of inclusive and resilient growth.

The development follows a renewed commitment between the two nations to deepen nuclear energy cooperation, which was reaffirmed eight months earlier during a bilateral summit in August 2025. That meeting took place during Vietnamese leader To Lam’s state visit to Korea. The signing ceremony in Hanoi brought together key stakeholders, including Hwang Ki-yeon, chairman and CEO of Korea Eximbank, and Le Ngoc Son, chairman of PVN, in the presence of Lee Jae Myung and his Vietnamese counterpart. PVN, widely known as Petrovietnam, plays a central role in Vietnam’s energy landscape, managing a diverse portfolio that spans oil and gas, renewable energy, and nuclear power initiatives.

Under the terms outlined in the MOU, the participating organizations will jointly examine financing pathways for upcoming nuclear power developments in Vietnam. This includes efforts to build robust financial models that ensure project sustainability, alongside the creation of a working-level consultative mechanism to coordinate implementation. The agreement underscores the strategic importance of nuclear energy cooperation in supporting Vietnam’s long-term energy security and infrastructure development, while also strengthening Korea’s export capabilities in the nuclear sector.

Korea Eximbank highlighted its ongoing engagement in Vietnam across multiple industries, particularly in energy and infrastructure, where it has established a strong track record of collaboration with PVN through joint ventures in power generation and refining.

Hwang Ki-yeon, chairman and CEO of Korea Eximbank, said,  “This MOU marks an important starting point for extending our financial expertise into Vietnam’s nuclear sector. We will continue to strengthen our role as a reliable partner to help Korean companies establish a leading presence in the Southeast Asian nation’s nuclear power market.”

Reinforcing this outlook, PVN Chairman Le Ngoc Son added, “Backed by the proven technological capabilities of Korean firms and Korea Eximbank’s commitment to financing, this partnership will serve as a powerful driver of Vietnam’s energy transition and economic growth.”

Under the Green Energy Auction (GEA-7), renewable energy capacities will be made available across the country, with a notable and strategic increase allocated to Mindanao. The capacity earmarked for the region is expected to be approximately five times larger than what was offered in earlier auction rounds. This move reflects a targeted effort by the DOE to encourage investment in Mindanao, address rising energy demand, and support the development of a more balanced and resilient power system nationwide. The Green Energy Auction is positioned as a key mechanism to drive regional growth while ensuring energy supply diversification.

The scope of the auction will include multiple solar technologies, specifically solar rooftop, ground-mounted solar, and floating solar projects. Timelines have been defined, with solar rooftop and ground-mounted installations expected to begin delivery in 2027, while floating solar projects are scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2029. In addition, the floating solar segment will incorporate unsubscribed capacities from the 4th Green Energy Auction (GEA-4), enabling more efficient use of previously allocated capacity. To further strengthen system performance, the DOE has mandated that all ground-mounted solar projects under the Green Energy Auction integrate Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), a requirement aimed at enhancing dispatchability and mitigating intermittency challenges associated with solar generation.

The DOE has urged renewable energy developers to actively participate in the process and complete project registration at the earliest opportunity, noting that early registration is essential for eligibility and qualification. Through the implementation of the Green Energy Auction (GEA-7), the department continues to promote a transparent and competitive environment designed to attract investment and expand renewable energy capacity. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to establish a sustainable and reliable energy future for the Philippines.

The origins of the project trace back to January 2014, when the government approved the construction of two APR1400 units designated as Saeul units 3 and 4, previously referred to as Shin Kori 5 and 6. Although construction was initially expected to begin in September 2014, the timeline shifted, with the regulator ultimately granting a construction licence in June 2016. Site activities commenced immediately thereafter, and construction of unit 3 officially began in April 2017. However, a change in government in June 2017 prompted Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) to halt work for three months. Progress resumed in October 2017 following a government-organised committee vote, where 59.5% supported continuing the project, citing power supply stability as a key factor. Construction of unit 4 later began in September 2018.

Before these delays, the two units were slated for commercial operation in March 2021 and March 2022. However, the timeline has since shifted significantly. In late December 2025, the NSSC granted an operating licence for the Saeul unit 3 reactor, clearing the way for fuel loading and an estimated eight months of testing. Commercial operation is now anticipated around August 2026, while Saeul 4 is expected to come online in late 2026. The NSSC has stated it will carry out additional follow-up inspections, including power increase tests, from the point at which the Saeul unit 3 reactor achieves first criticality, defined as a sustained chain reaction, through to full commercial operation.

Once operational, the Saeul unit 3 reactor is projected to contribute approximately 1.7% of South Korea’s total power generation and meet around 37% of Ulsan’s electricity demand. South Korea currently operates four APR1400 units, including Saeul units 1 and 2 and Shin Hanul units 1 and 2, while Saeul units 3 and 4 remain under construction. Beyond domestic deployment, four APR1400 reactors have also been completed at the Barakah nuclear power plant in the UAE, where they are now fully operational.