1. General information on Vietnam's nuclear power development
Vietnam's nuclear and nuclear power (NDN) development program has been of interest to the Party and the Government, formed in the 50-60s of the last century. In 1995, during a visit to the Soviet Union, President Ho Chi Minh visited the world's first nuclear power plant in Obninsk.
In the late 50s and early 1960s, Vietnam focused on developing human resources and started sending officials and students to the Soviet Union to study and train in the field of nuclear. After the reunification of the country, in order to build the atomic energy industry (NLNT), Vietnam has renovated and upgraded Dalat furnace (1979-1984), putting into operation officially from March 20, 1984. The atomic energy industry has grown strongly from that time, and significantly contributed to the socio -economic development of the country, especially in the fields of basic sciences, radiation medicine, industry applications, agriculture and environmental resources.
Since the late 90s of the last century, Vietnam began conducting research on bringing nuclear electricity into Vietnam. In 2009, the National Assembly approved the investment policy of project 2 NMH in Ninh Thuan; From 2010-2016, feasibility study (FS) and site evaluation were conducted for 2 projects. In parallel with that, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has searched, preliminarily evaluated and planned 6 more locations to build a nuclear power plant (in the central provinces). Surveying and evaluating 2 locations in Ninh Thuan was fully conducted in the period of 2010-2016.
Since the early 2000s, aware of the importance of the University of Natural Resources in Vietnam's energy balance, in Document No. 40/TB-VPCP dated May 29, 2001, the Prime Minister assigned two ministries, the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Science and Technology to coordinate with other relevant agencies to carry out 3 tasks: (i) Research and clarify a number of issues related to the Development Development Program; (ii) Develop an atomic energy application strategy for peaceful purposes; (iii) Prepare investment reports on construction of the first university factory in Vietnam.
The results clarify 7 issues related to nuclear power development in Vietnam, including: Planning, plan, technology, safety, waste treatment, human resource training, fuel and reserves, proposed necessary mechanisms and measures.
In order to advise the State Steering Committee on NP and the Project Investor (EVN), in 2014, the Vietnam Resource Institute of Authority has implemented a set of technological selection criteria based on a set of requirements and used as a basis for reviewing, evaluating and selecting technologies for Ninh Thuan University of Natural Resources Projects, including 4 main contents: reactor technology and design of Vietnam's economy, safety and safety of Vietnam. This requirement is the basis for ensuring that nuclear technology imported into Vietnam is the most advanced technology, ensuring the highest safety as possible, ensuring the sustainability of the nuclear development program. These requirements are also the basis for establishing the criteria for evaluating, ranking and choosing the most appropriate technology for Vietnam.
However, due to economic difficulties, and some other reasons, at the end of 2016, the Vietnamese National Assembly issued Resolution 31 to stop the University of Vietnam Projects.
On November 25, 2024, the 13th Party Central Committee Conference agreed on the policy of restarting the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and continuing to study the nuclear power program in Vietnam.
On November 30, 2024, the XV National Assembly passed the Resolution of the 8th session, including the content that agreed to continue the investment policy of Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. Earlier, the Electricity Law (amended) also stipulates that a number of nuclear electricity development policies are also approved by the National Assembly, creating a legal basis for the realization of this policy.
The policy of restarting the nuclear power project is to create a new step of development. In the current context, restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is not only a solution to the national energy security problem but also contributes to the transition to a green, sustainable economy, bringing science, technology and the country's industrial development to new heights.
2. Nuclear power development infrastructure and difficulties and challenges
The International Atomic Energy Agency IAEA plays an important role in ensuring a nuclear power program is implemented safely, efficiently, responsibly and sustainably. IAEA has developed guidelines and milestones to help countries implement the nuclear power program systematically, contributing to increasing transparency in the nuclear power country as well as to other countries.
According to IAEA, the development of nuclear power infrastructure is divided into 3 phases with a total time of 10 to 15 years, from the time the Government begins to select nuclear power to put the first nuclear power plant into commercial operation.
Phase 1 includes considerations before deciding on the nuclear power program, called the pre-project phase and ends when there is a Government decision to commit to implementing the nuclear power program.
Phase 2 includes preparations for all aspects of the construction of the nuclear power plant, feasibility studies until it is ready to invite bids and start construction of the plant.
Phase 3 includes implementation activities, plant construction and completion when the first nuclear power plant is ready for commercial operation.
According to IAEA criteria, Vietnam is currently in phase 2 of the process of developing nuclear power infrastructure.
According to the latest document on nuclear power, the book Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power by IAEA pointed out 19 infrastructure issues that need to be fully assessed to successfully develop the DTN project.
These issues are of equal importance, specifically: 1. National status; 2. Nuclear safety; 3. Management; 4. Finance and finance; 5. Legal framework; 6. Protective measures; 7. Legal framework; 8. radiation protection; 9. Power grid; 10. Human resource development; 11. participation of relevant parties; 12. Facilities and supporting facilities; 13. Environmental protection; 14. Develop an emergency plan; 15. Nuclear security; 16. Nuclear fuel cycle; 17. Radioactive waste management; 18. The participation of the industry; and 19. Shopping.
Although there are many advantages, the development of Vietnamese enterprises also has difficulties and challenges, especially for countries that are building Vietnamese enterprises for the first time, such as:
- There needs to be public consensus and strong decisions of the Government.
- Carefully choose advanced technology, the highest safety and verification.
- It is necessary to ensure adequate infrastructure, especially legal documents and build and develop a team of university experts, as well as a university safety culture.
- Time is needed to prepare the project due to complex technology; large investment capital (despite low fuel costs), leading to difficulties in arranging investment capital.
3. Proposals and recommendations for solutions
Improve the capacity and efficiency of state management agencies: There needs to be a core legal agency that ensures independence, capacity, and professionalism in law enforcement, control, and supervision. Especially for the university project, this agency is responsible for appraisal and monitoring safety throughout the entire life cycle of the university (from site selection, investment project establishment, construction, trial operation, official operation, supervision during operation to termination of operations, dismantling and environmental restoration).
Supplementing regulations on technical support organizations (for nuclear regulatory agencies and investors/operating organizations) are research institutes and universities with sufficient capacity to research, evaluate university technology and analyze nuclear safety.
Allow the formation of nuclear research and development fund (with a part of the budget contribution and part of the electricity semi -electricity activity of the NM) in order to promote the research and development of NP, improve the capacity to receive technology transfer to ensure safe and effective NM AGH operation as well as promote the development of domestic nuclear industry (experience of Korea, Japan).
There are preferential policies for large enterprise projects, such as exemption of equipment import tax, loan incentives, and financial support for research on new generation reactors (Gen III+, Gen IV).
Encourage international cooperation in technology transfer and in-depth training of human resources in nuclear power, especially with experienced countries such as Russia, Japan, and South Korea.
It is necessary to build specialized research and training centers on employees to ensure high-quality human resources for the industry.
