The Government proposes that the Prime Minister be allowed to decide on the policy of building a nuclear power plant.

On the afternoon of May 5, continuing the 9th Session, Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long presented the draft Law on Atomic Energy (amended).

Deputy Prime Minister Le Thanh Long. (Photo: quochoi.vn)

The Deputy Prime Minister said that after 17 years of implementation, the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy has revealed shortcomings and limitations.

Accordingly, the current Law has not met or kept up with the rapid development of nuclear science and technology, radiation technology; regulations on nuclear safety, security and inspection and State management of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors are not comprehensive and adequate...

Therefore, the Deputy Prime Minister stated that the draft amended Law closely follows the four policies agreed upon by the Government , which are promoting the development and socialization of atomic energy applications; ensuring radiation safety, nuclear safety and security, and decentralization in State management.

Facilitate nuclear inspection activities; manage radioactive waste, spent radioactive sources and nuclear fuel; respond to radiation incidents and nuclear incidents; and civil liability for nuclear damage.

Notably, according to the Deputy Prime Minister, the draft Law has increased decentralization and delegation of power.

Specifically, the Government proposed decentralizing the decision on investment policies for nuclear power plants to the Prime Minister, instead of the National Assembly as under the current Investment Law and Public Investment Law.

This draft Law also adds policies on socialization of activities in the field of atomic energy.

Accordingly, organizations and individuals participating in the construction of facilities for research and application of atomic energy and radiation enjoy preferential policies, harmonizing the interests of the State, investors and service users. Enterprises and organizations are encouraged to establish a science and technology development fund for research and application of atomic energy.

The Draft Law allows investment under the public-private partnership model to establish scientific research and technology development organizations in the field of atomic energy, facilities conducting radiation work; and borrowing capital to invest in infrastructure works, radiation equipment, and nuclear equipment.

In addition, Vietnamese organizations and individuals are allowed to cooperate with international atomic energy organizations to establish joint laboratories; rent, lease assets and use assets for business purposes, joint ventures, and associations; and receive funding and aid from domestic and foreign organizations and individuals.

Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy. (Photo: quochoi.vn)

Examining this content, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy said that the examining agency basically agreed with the viewpoint of building the draft Law on Atomic Energy (amended) as proposed by the Government.

Regarding the development and application of nuclear energy, the review agency agrees with the necessity and content of promoting the development and socialization of nuclear energy applications.

However, the inspection agency believes that it is necessary to carefully consider the ability to ensure safety for individuals and organizations when investing in and establishing facilities to conduct radiation work and facilities to produce and process radioactive substances.

Regarding safety and security of nuclear facilities, according to the review agency, it is necessary to add regulations on design approval for nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors in Article 30 of the draft Law.

Accordingly, the design of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors must be reviewed and approved by the nuclear regulatory authority of the partner country, taking into account Vietnam's specific requirements.

In addition, in the case of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors designed by Vietnamese professional agencies, it is necessary to supplement regulations on compliance with the requirements on nuclear safety and security of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Japanese

Source: https://vtcnews.vn/chinh-phu-de-xuat-thu-tuong-duoc-quyet-dinh-chu-truong-xay-nha-may-dien-hat-nhan-ar941578.html