Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan provides information on the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project – Photo: VGP
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Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan said that on November 30, the National Assembly passed a resolution with the policy of continuing to implement the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, along with studying programs for nuclear power development.
Regarding the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has conducted studies, reviews, and reported to the Government and relevant authorities. With the agreement in principle from the Central Committee and the recent approval from the National Assembly, the question now is how we should organize and execute the project. The Government has assigned relevant ministries and branches, with the Ministry of Industry and Trade taking the lead, to study and report back to the Government. There are several key points to consider:
Firstly, we must perfect the legal framework. “It is a relief that the recent National Assembly session passed the amended Law on Electricity, which includes provisions related to nuclear power development. In addition, this week, the Government approved a proposal to amend the Law on Atomic Energy, which will be reported to the National Assembly. This provides a basis for fundamental issues, including technology, safety, and other aspects of nuclear power development. With this framework, we now have a comprehensive legal basis for implementation,” expressed Mr. Tan.
Along with this, there are other relevant legal systems related to investment, construction, safety, environmental protection, etc. All these legal bases are sufficient for us to proceed.
Secondly, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has advised the Government and the Prime Minister to establish a Steering Committee for the construction of nuclear power plants and a working group to restart Vietnam’s nuclear power program. The Steering Committee is expected to be headed by the Prime Minister, with a Deputy Prime Minister as Vice Chairman. In addition, there will be members from relevant ministries. The working group will operate under the direction of the Steering Committee and is expected to include representatives from relevant ministries and agencies, as well as experts and scientists specializing in nuclear power development. The Minister of Industry and Trade will be the head of this working group. This is the mechanism through which we will implement and execute the project.
Furthermore, to enable the project’s implementation, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will soon submit proposals to the competent authorities to adjust, amend, and supplement the Power Development Master Plan VIII. This is a fundamental legal basis for concretizing the direction of the National Assembly and the Central Committee.
We will also propose to the competent authorities to select an investor for the implementation of the nuclear power plant project. The choice of investor is crucial as they will be a special entity responsible for organizing the entire process, from research and proposal to construction and operation of the plant.
A fundamental yet crucial point relates to the local context. We have requested the leaders of Ninh Thuan province to facilitate the provision of a clean land area and ensure the consensus of the local people to create the most favorable conditions for the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. This is the roadmap and the approach to implementation.
Regarding advantages, we have currently achieved a high level of consensus, which presents numerous benefits. During the implementation process, this project has been considered and endorsed in principle but was temporarily halted due to objective reasons, and now it is being resumed. Therefore, there has been a certain level of preparation, which is a significant advantage.
Alongside these advantages are some challenges. These include technology selection, safety assurance, and the possibility of accidents. Another challenge, which would provide great reassurance if achieved, is meeting the recommendations of international organizations and, in particular, the advisories of international atomic energy agencies. These are universal standards.
We are fully confident that we will be able to cautiously and gradually achieve this. Today’s technology is very advanced, with numerous new and increasingly safe technologies available.
Regarding the determination of the total investment, it depends on several factors. At present, we tentatively estimate a figure that is not yet accurate but will certainly be in the billions of dollars. It will depend on the scale, location, technological requirements, and safety considerations.
There are numerous benefits to this project. However, to summarize, there are three main advantages:
Firstly, we will create a foundational, clean energy source that meets the current dual standard in the trend of developing green and renewable energy. Without a foundational energy source to balance the power supply, it could be dangerous. Therefore, the development of nuclear power, along with other green and clean energy sources, provides favorable conditions to ensure energy security and meet the dual standard of foundational and green energy.
Secondly, we will have a safe energy source to serve the socio-economic development of not only Ninh Thuan but also the surrounding areas and meet the country’s overall demand. With the strong development of renewable and clean energy, we can even aim for future exports.
Thirdly, it will create a driving force for us to have a high-tech and scientific foundation, especially in nuclear energy science. This is a fundamental science that will continue to evolve, leading to the development of an industry and a high-quality workforce to contribute to the country’s advancement.
