On the afternoon of November 30, at the closing session of the 8th Session, the National Assembly voted to pass the Resolution of the 8th Session, 15th National Assembly.
One of the notable contents in the resolution is that the National Assembly agreed to continue implementing the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project according to Document No. 811/TTr-CP dated November 25, 2024 of the Government.
The National Assembly assigned the Government to urgently direct the allocation of resources to implement the conclusions of competent authorities; study and amend and supplement relevant laws, including the Law on Atomic Energy.
Regarding nuclear power development policy, according to the Electricity Law (amended), nuclear power development planning must be closely linked, synchronous, and consistent with electricity development planning to ensure the goal of electricity supply security.
The Electricity Law (amended) also stipulates that the State has a monopoly in investing in the construction and operation of nuclear power plant projects.
Previously, on November 27, Permanent Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, authorized by the Prime Minister, presented a report on continuing the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project.
According to the Permanent Deputy Prime Minister, nuclear power is currently receiving increasing attention from many countries and continues to develop in the context of combating climate change, fulfilling commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and ensuring energy security.
As of the end of August 2024, there were 415 nuclear power reactors in operation worldwide, with a total installed capacity of 373,735 MWe, and 62 reactors under construction with a total capacity of approximately 64,971 MWe. In addition to the 32 countries that own and operate nuclear power plants, 20 other countries are considering development to meet energy needs and realize climate commitments.
Meanwhile, Vietnam's electricity demand is forecast to continue to increase. The current total power system capacity is about 80 GW, with an additional 70 GW needed by 2030 and 400-500 GW by 2050.
“Developing nuclear power in Vietnam brings many benefits such as diversifying power supply sources and ensuring energy security. It meets the dual task of providing electricity and protecting the environment,” said Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh.
In addition, the average cost of electricity production of nuclear power can be competitive with other traditional sources. Develop high-quality human resources, enhance national science and technology potential, and participate in the nuclear power industry supply chain.
In 2009, implementing the Resolution of the National Assembly, the Government assigned Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) to be the investor of the projects and cooperated with Russia (Ninh Thuan 1 Project) and Japan (Ninh Thuan 2 Project) to carry out investment preparation work.
The selected locations have been carefully surveyed and evaluated by domestic and foreign consultants. They are the two best locations, meeting strict international criteria, suitable for building a nuclear power plant in Vietnam.
Using previously researched locations to develop and build nuclear power plants in the future is very convenient, saving time and costs in research, survey, and site selection.
“The restart of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is necessary, well-founded and meets practical requirements,” the Government emphasized.
In 2009, the National Assembly passed a Resolution on the investment policy for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. In November 2016, due to many reasons, the National Assembly passed a Resolution to stop implementing this policy.
