Proposal to appoint a bid for Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant
Presenting the Report, the Minister of Industry and Trade said that the Government proposed many specific mechanisms to achieve the goal of putting the project into operation in the next 5 years. One of the specific mechanisms and policies is the selection of contractors.
The Government proposes to allow the Prime Minister to assign investors to implement the project; apply the form of handover key contracts and implement the selection of contractors immediately after the National Assembly approves the adjustment of the project's investment policy.
The Government proposes to allow the application of the form of bidding for the key package of handing over the main factory construction contract to the contractor named in the Intergovernmental Agreement according to the shortened bidding process (organized for direct negotiation based on the draft contract sent to the contractor); allowing direct negotiation/shortened bidding with partners to buy nuclear fuel for the plant...
According to the Government's explanation, the selection of the handover key contract is necessary to speed up progress, due to the characteristics of the nuclear power plant requiring nuclear fuel for the first cycle and maintenance operators in the first stage.
Proposal to add a strict control mechanism
Reviewing the project submission, Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy said that the application of the designation of the key handover package is reasonable to speed up the implementation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.
"However, this form can lead to limited competition, risk of group interests and lack of transparency in the implementation process. It is recommended that there should be clear regulations on the conditions of application, criteria for contractor selection, and an additional mechanism for strict control of contract terms, especially commitments on technology, maintenance and technology transfer after project completion" - Mr. Huy said.
Regarding mechanisms and policies for Vietnam Electricity Group and Vietnam Oil and Gas Group, Mr. Huy suggested studying and considering specific regulations in the draft Resolution.
Regarding the mechanism to ensure the counterpart capital level, the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment recommends that the Government direct the clarification and confirmation of the re-evaluation of assets to supplement self-made capital, the retention of all remaining after-tax profits to supplement counterpart capital... is entirely for the implementation of nuclear power projects, not for any other purpose.
"There are opinions suggesting that there should be strict regulations on loan limits, interest rates, repayment terms and other related binding conditions... There are solutions to control the use of loans to ensure the right purpose and effectiveness" - Mr. Huy raised the issue.
Regarding the preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment Report, Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy suggested that measures should be taken to ensure the participation of the community, especially those who do not have access to the internet, and ensure compliance with IAEA's requirements.
"There are opinions suggesting the implementation of integrating procedures on environmental impact assessment (EIA), technology, and nuclear safety to reduce processes and procedures" - Mr. Huy said, at the same time suggesting that the Government direct the study, consider the above opinions and clearly stipulate in the draft Resolution to avoid the need to prepare, appraise and approve the Environmental Impact Assessment Report according to the provisions of the Law on Environmental Protection.
