On the afternoon of October 7, the National Assembly discussed in the hall the draft revised Law on Electricity. Nuclear power development policy was one of the contents that many delegates contributed their opinions to.

There must be a roadmap for nuclear power development to avoid waste.

Representative Hoang Duc Chinh ( Hoa Binh ) stated that the inclusion of provisions on nuclear power in the draft law is an important step in the national energy orientation, demonstrating the Party and State's concern for diversifying energy sources.

Nuclear power projects ensure clean, long-term energy supply for production, especially for high-tech manufacturing industries that require stable power sources.

However, in 2016, the Government decided to suspend nuclear power projects, especially the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project.

Delegates proposed to develop clear provisions on investment, management and operation of nuclear power plants, creating a legal basis for nuclear power development in the coming time.

In particular, it is necessary to supplement regulations on radioactive waste management and measures to ensure safety for the community and the environment when implementing nuclear power plant projects. This is to avoid public concerns and increase social consensus.

Along with that are added provisions on encouraging training, human resource development and international cooperation in the field of nuclear power.

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Representative Dang Thi My Huong. Photo: National Assembly

Delegate Dang Thi My Huong (Ninh Thuan) also expressed concern when the regulations on nuclear power content only stated a few lines.

Delegates are also concerned that the draft Law stipulates that the Prime Minister shall prescribe a specific mechanism to ensure effective implementation of investment in construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

"Thus, the National Assembly does not discuss the construction of nuclear power plants but gives authority to the Prime Minister. I am really concerned," said delegate Huong, suggesting that the National Assembly should consider this regulation.

The female delegate from Ninh Thuan province suggested that it is necessary to study, develop, and perfect the legal regulations on nuclear power in a comprehensive, strict, synchronized, and unified manner, including specific mechanisms and policies to ensure a legal basis for the successful and highly effective development of nuclear power.

She also suggested that a specific roadmap for nuclear power development is needed to avoid wasting state resources. Investment in nuclear power development requires a unified and effective policy that builds public trust.

Delegates proposed building Ninh Thuan into a green and clean industrial center to create competitive advantages for Ninh Thuan province as well as for the country in socio-economic development in the coming time.

Nuclear power is a must.

Delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) said that developing nuclear power is one of the world's trends. Some countries that previously closed down have now restarted due to the huge demand for electricity.

Mr. Hoa suggested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade propose to advise the Government to report to the competent authority to propose restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant as soon as possible. This is a very important issue because Vietnam is currently in great need of energy.

"If we keep relying on coal-fired power, how can we be environmentally friendly? I think only nuclear power can develop and ensure the nation's energy needs are met," said the representative from Dong Thap province.

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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. Photo: QH

In his subsequent explanation, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien stated that by 2030 we will need twice the current electricity capacity, but by 2050 it must be five times greater.

The Minister analyzed that when traditional power sources have no room to develop, solar energy, even with electricity storage, cannot increase its current capacity by 7 times compared to renewable energy.

So nuclear power and new energy sources in the future are definitely a must, but to be practical we must mention them in the law right now.

“We will regulate what is stipulated in the law. If it is not clear, we will give that authority to the Government and the Government will direct, regulate, and take specific steps. Only then will we have nuclear power projects after 10 years,” said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.

The Minister added that for the past 17 years, we have decided on the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant without any law, not even a decree or specific regulations. Seven years ago, we only temporarily suspended the project, not canceled it.

“Up to now, the competent authority has allowed research to restart, so this law must mention at least one thing that that power source, that type of energy is allowed to develop, and the specific steps will be assigned to the Government,” the Minister of Industry and Trade explained.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien also affirmed that just because something is given to the Government does not mean the Government has such great power that it doesn't have to report to the National Assembly.

Minister of Industry and Trade: Electricity prices cannot completely follow the market

Minister of Industry and Trade: Electricity prices cannot completely follow the market

The Minister of Industry and Trade affirmed: "Electricity prices cannot be completely market-based because they must be linked to socialist orientation." That is, even though the input is high, the output must be controlled and ensure macroeconomic safety.