Restarting nuclear power project

Nuclear power is a green and sustainable source of electricity, which is increasingly being chosen by many countries. After 8 years of “dormant”, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project was unanimously approved by the Central Government, the National Assembly and the Government to be restarted. The project is of great significance and of a contemporary nature, aiming to develop the national energy infrastructure, ensure energy security, enhance the development of high-quality human resources and the country’s scientific and technological potential.

Nuclear power - inevitable trend

In the coming time, development goals socio -economic set very high. The national economic growth in 2025 strives to reach over 8% and the economic growth in the period 2026-2030 strives to be at double digits. This requires electricity Capacity growth is 1.5 times, expected to average from 12% to over 16% annually (equivalent to needing to add 8,000-10,000MW each year).

The total capacity of Vietnam's power system in 2024 is about 85,000 MW, the total capacity needed to reach 2030 is about 150,000 MW and by 2050 it needs to reach 400,000-500,000 MW. Therefore, developing nuclear power sources will diversify supply sources, ensure energy security and green energy transition, helping Vietnam achieve the goal of zero net emissions by 2050 as committed at the 26th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26). The implementation of the nuclear power project is also an opportunity for the country to develop high-quality human resources, enhance national science and technology potential, and participate in the global nuclear power industry supply chain.

In fact, nuclear power is also an inevitable trend in the world . Currently, many countries have restarted and strongly developed this source of electricity. Even countries that intended to "shut down" nuclear power after the Fukushima power plant accident in Japan have returned to nuclear power due to the large demand for electricity for data centers in the development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, semiconductor industry, internet of things (IoT)...

Thai An village, Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province - the planned site for the construction of Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant. Photo: HOANG NHUONG

According to Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, Vietnam has the conditions to develop this power source. 15 years ago, through surveys, it was determined that there were 13-14 locations that could develop nuclear power. In particular, Vietnam has a long terrain from North to South, so developing small-scale nuclear power is even more suitable. "In low-load areas, where there is potential to exploit and develop renewable energy, wind, and solar, adding small-module nuclear power is very favorable for exploiting and promoting the potential of renewable energy along with the source of base power, clean electricity... That is suitable for the energy needs for the country's economic development and in line with Vietnam's goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. Moreover, Vietnam is a populous country with a young population that can quickly access technology," Minister Nguyen Hong Dien analyzed.

Promote international cooperation

The Prime Minister has requested the Minister of Industry and Trade to direct the acceleration of the implementation of key and urgent projects of the electricity sector; including the implementation and completion of the investment in the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant project within 5 years. Regarding the activities of the Ministry of Industry and Trade in the coming time to build a nuclear power plant in Vietnam, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will, together with the Vietnam Electricity Group and localities, review and supplement the planning of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project; preside over ministries and branches to advise on the development and promulgation of decrees and circulars to guide the implementation of this project.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade also recommended that the Government report to the competent authority to renegotiate with Japan to sign an agreement according to the old commitment, continue to provide technical, technological and financial support... After having a policy to invest in a new project, the investor will select a project construction consulting unit to submit to the competent authority for licensing; request the units to review the number of human resources, develop a plan to train human resources in nuclear power... Minister Nguyen Hong Dien also said that Vietnam has no experience in building nuclear power plants. Therefore, international cooperation on nuclear energy is an important solution to mobilize resources, shorten time, reduce investment costs and requested Japan to continue supporting Vietnam in implementing the nuclear power plant construction program.

Developing human resources in terms of quantity and quality is one of the key strategic tasks, which is decisive to the success of the nuclear power plant project, meeting the goals of safety, efficiency and sustainability. According to the Government's plan at the end of 2009, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project includes two plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2, with a total capacity of 4,000MW (2x2,000MW). With this plan, Mr. Ly Quoc Hung, Director of the Department of Science and Technology (Ministry of Industry and Trade) said that Vietnam needs 2,400 human resources for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. However, currently, Vietnam's human resources in science and technology for nuclear power are lacking in both quantity and quality.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien requested that in the first quarter of 2025, relevant units need to urgently forecast the demand and scale of specialized fields that need training and evaluate the ability to conduct human resource training for nuclear power development, as well as the nuclear energy ecosystem in Vietnam of research and training facilities inside and outside the industry and trade sector, because human resource development will determine the success of this project. Minister Nguyen Hong Dien requested that training facilities need to research and review their capacity to register to open training codes, develop programs and textbooks for lecturer training, invest in facilities, technical equipment, etc.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/tai-khoi-dong-du-an-dien-hat-nhan-5035197.html