Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, head of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, presided over its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, announcing Vietnam’s goal to have a fully operational nuclear power plant by 2030.
The establishment of the steering committee followed the issuance of Decision No. 72 by the prime minister on January 10. Its primary responsibility is to oversee the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project in the south-central region, monitor progress, address challenges, and recommend solutions to ensure successful implementation.
The committee’s scope includes revising legal frameworks for nuclear energy, prioritizing safety, security, and efficiency, while formulating a national nuclear energy development program. It is also tasked with fostering international collaboration, including partnerships with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
During the meeting, PM Chinh emphasized the urgency of starting construction and called for a measured, step-by-step approach to ensure progress without undue caution or haste. He reiterated the government’s clear policy on nuclear energy development as a pivotal solution for meeting Vietnam’s growing clean energy needs.
“Nuclear power is a vital component in achieving sustainable energy security,” PM Chinh stated. “To support double-digit GDP growth, electricity growth must reach 15-18 percent annually.” He further highlighted the importance of nuclear technology for peaceful applications, including power generation and nuclear medicine, in Vietnam’s development.
The prime minister outlined a five-year roadmap for completing the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant, aligning its operational debut with the 100th anniversary of the Communist Party of Vietnam in 2030. Annual plans are to be meticulously developed to meet this target.
PM Chinh directed the Ministry of Industry and Trade to finalize essential plans by February 28. He also called for Vietnam Electricity (EVN), the project’s investor, to consolidate its pool of 400 nuclear specialists, identify training needs, and establish a dedicated organization to manage the project and future initiatives.
The prime minister urged the development of a comprehensive institutional framework, including policies on taxation, credit, land use, and talent recruitment. Concurrently, Ninh Thuan authorities were instructed to enhance infrastructure, such as transportation, utilities, and cultural facilities, and attract public-private partnerships to develop Thanh Son Airport for civilian use.
Collaboration with the IAEA will focus on technical and regulatory support, while the provincial government was tasked with land clearance and resettlement policies for affected residents.
The National Assembly recently approved the resumption of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project after an eight-year hiatus, deeming it critical for energy security and Vietnam’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050. A resolution passed on November 30, 2024, mandates the government to allocate resources and review legal frameworks, including the Atomic Energy Law, to facilitate the project’s progress.
Initially approved in 2009, the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project planned for two plants, Ninh Thuan 1 and 2, with a combined capacity of over 4,000 MW and an estimated investment of VND200 trillion (US$7.9 billion). The project, however, was suspended in 2016 due to safety, cost, and technology concerns.
EVN, in collaboration with Russian and Japanese partners, had spearheaded the initial phase. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed that EVN remain the investor and appoint consultants to update the project’s pre-feasibility study while developing special mechanisms to ensure success.
The Ninh Thuan project marks a significant step in Vietnam’s efforts to secure energy independence, drive economic growth, and contribute to global sustainability goals.
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Source: Vietnam Insider