MOSCOW – Rosatom's fuel division and Vietnam's national oil and gas corporation PetroVietnam have signed a memorandum of understanding in the field of additive technology.
The document was signed by Ilya Kavelashvili, Director of the Additive Technology Business Unit of Rosatom's Fuels Division, and Phan Tu Giang, Vice President of PetroVietnam.
A key project in the cooperation between Rosatom and PetroVietnam is the establishment of a state-of-the-art additive technology center in Vietnam.
This technology makes it possible to manufacture parts and components that are difficult to produce using traditional methods such as casting or machining, while reducing product weight and optimizing the use of materials.
PetroVietnam plans to use this center to increase operational efficiency. Using 3D printing capabilities, the company will be able to manufacture complex components for drilling and pumping equipment, and reduce production downtime through rapid prototyping.
The introduction of additive technology will also accelerate maintenance and repair of equipment and large products, reducing dependence on imported spare parts.
The project will be implemented in several stages. It begins with a technical audit of PetroVietnam's production processes by Russian experts, followed by the center's composition agreement and list of dosing equipment, and culminates in the official opening of the center.
“Cooperation in additive technology is a promising means to expand the bilateral partnership between Russia and Vietnam,” said Phan Tu Giang.
“We look forward to the successful implementation of the project to establish the National Additive Technology Center.
“A survey of potential sites for the center is scheduled for July this year, and it is expected to open as early as 2027.”
For Rosatom's fuel division, this project is more than a one-off export contract.
Russian experts offer international partners not only the supply of equipment, but also scientific and technical support, a comprehensive industry ecosystem, from the supply of raw materials to engineering education.
“We already have successful experience in exporting Russian additive technology,” commented Ilya Kavelashvili.
“Rosatom's first foreign additive technology center incorporating Russian technology has been established in Belarus, supplying India with large-scale industrial 3D printers for the aerospace sector.
“This proves that Russian solutions – equipment, materials and software – are competitive on the world market.
“In the future, we are willing to consider localizing 3D printer assembly in Vietnam for further promotion in the Southeast Asian market.”
This approach, which builds a long-term technology ecosystem rather than a one-off supply of equipment, is relevant far beyond Southeast Asia.
This includes not only equipment, but also scientific and technical support, the supply of raw materials and the training of employees.
Rosatom already has experience training professionals from South Africa, whose students are given places at universities affiliated with state-owned companies.
Similar principles could be applied to cooperation with South Africa in additional technology areas, from technology transfer to workforce development.
Africa's only commercial nuclear power station, the Köberg power station, has been in operation for more than 40 years, and Eskom is undertaking a life extension project that includes replacing key components and refurbishing the system, which was designed more than 40 years ago.
Nuclear power plants rely on specialized components, some of which were designed by suppliers that no longer exist, and are often not economically viable in small quantities using traditional manufacturing methods.
Additive technology offers a practical way to strengthen such supply chains. A secure digital archive of certified component designs enables plant operators to produce approved parts on demand under regulatory oversight, reducing delivery times and reliance on a limited supplier pool.
At the same time, the development of these technologies also requires appropriate expertise. This means that expanding educational programs and training of the engineering workforce could be part of a broader strategy to introduce additive technologies in South Africa.
As international standards in this area continue to develop, additive technologies have the potential to become additional tools to strengthen the resilience of not only the nuclear sector, but also other industries in South Africa.
