Nuclear Energy: Long-Term Preparation, Serious Investment

Nuclear Power Accounts for 70% of France’s National Electricity

As the demand for energy to support socio-economic development continues to rise, Vietnam faces significant challenges in ensuring long-term energy security while fulfilling its commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Alongside renewable and traditional energy sources, nuclear power is seen as a viable option capable of providing large, stable, and low-carbon energy output.

However, implementing nuclear power projects raises complex questions regarding environmental impact, safety, risk management, and effects on local communities, necessitating discussions grounded in scientific evidence and international experience.

Dr. Phạm Tuấn Hiệp, an expert from the French Electricity Corporation (EDF) and Secretary-General of the Vietnamese Nuclear Energy Experts Network Abroad (VietNuc), analyzed international experiences in nuclear power development, particularly in countries with high nuclear energy shares like France.

Dr. Hiệp noted that nuclear power constitutes approximately 70% of France’s national electricity, involving around 2,000 companies and 220,000 workers directly or indirectly engaged in this sector. France is heavily investing in the future of nuclear energy, focusing on upgrading and extending the lifespan of existing units, launching six new Generation III+ reactors (EPR2), advancing fuel enrichment and recycling technologies, researching small modular reactors, and developing long-term waste disposal solutions.

Highest Level of Risk Management Required

Lessons from international practices demonstrate that nuclear power is not a “magic solution” but a choice demanding long-term preparation, serious investment, and the highest level of risk management.

He emphasized that the success of nuclear power depends not only on reactor technology but also on institutional frameworks, independent oversight mechanisms, safety culture, and the quality of human resources. Workforce training is a priority, playing a crucial role in ensuring safety throughout the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants over their entire lifecycle.

Nuclear workforce training should be based on the “golden triangle” involving businesses, research institutes, and universities. Businesses provide practical needs, internship opportunities, and funding; research institutes focus on fundamental and applied research, technology development, and safety assurance. Universities are tasked with producing high-quality human resources, blending theory with practice.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vương Hữu Tấn, former Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) and former Director of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority, stressed that nuclear power projects differ from other energy projects due to national responsibilities in ensuring safety, security, non-proliferation, and nuclear liability.

To implement national nuclear power projects, it is essential to develop the necessary infrastructure in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and fulfill international treaties related to national responsibilities.

Dr. Tấn believes that mastering and localizing nuclear power technology is a critical component of the long-term nuclear power development program. Mastering and localizing construction technology must begin with the first project. Therefore, national capabilities for this task should be prepared early, with a focus on prioritizing the development of nuclear construction workforce training.