The Power of Nuclear Energy: Unlocking Vietnam’s Future with the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project

In a presentation to the Deputy Prime Minister, Nguyen Hoa Binh, it was highlighted that Vietnam’s electricity consumption is expected to continue rising. According to the Power Development Plan VIII, the total installed capacity of the power system is projected to increase from approximately 80 GW currently to 150 GW by 2030 and further to around 490-573 GW by 2050.

The Vietnamese government emphasizes that developing nuclear power in the country offers multiple benefits, including diversifying the electricity supply and ensuring energy security. It is also a solution that addresses the dual task of “providing baseload power while ensuring environmental protection.”

Regarding the construction site, the government shared that to implement the approved investment policy for the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power projects, the Vietnam Electricity (EVN) has been assigned as the investor.

“These sites have been carefully surveyed and evaluated by domestic and international consultants and are considered the best locations, meeting stringent international criteria for building nuclear power plants in Vietnam,” emphasized Mr. Nguyen Hoa Binh.

The government affirmed that restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is necessary, well-founded, and responsive to practical demands. Additionally, they underscored the importance of ensuring the highest level of safety in nuclear power development, minimizing risks to people and the environment, and integrating it with the holistic development of the country’s energy industry ecosystem.

Along with requesting the National Assembly’s permission to continue the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stated that the government would work on nuclear power planning and strategy, human resource development, and exploring the potential for nuclear technology localization.

The National Assembly’s Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment agreed on the necessity of continuing the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

The committee requested that the government direct the study and proposal of a nuclear power development program for Vietnam, linked with enhancing the country’s scientific and technological potential and gradually mastering nuclear power technology. They also suggested that the government research and propose a suitable nuclear power management model, paying close attention to human resource development, particularly cultivating leading experts, in alignment with the comprehensive program for the application of atomic energy and nuclear power.