Vietnam to Run Nuclear Power Plant in 2020?

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Huu Hao said the specific objective of Vietnam’s nuclear power strategy is to prepare necessary and consistent conditions to operate the first nuke power plant in 2020. Afterwards, the percentage of nuclear power will increase in the national electric system. By 2050, the nuclear electricity will account for 15 - 20 per cent of the country’s total commercial electricity.

 

Nuclear electricity is an important source of energy for the future and it draws special interest of the world, including Vietnam. With the current world economic development, the demand for energy in general and electricity in particular is becoming more urgent. Power shortages and soaring demands for oil show that fossil fuels are running out and will not meet economic and living needs. Therefore, nuclear electricity is seen one of the best solution to growing energy demands of the mankind.

 

Thus, the Prime Minister issued a decree on atomic energy development strategy for the purpose of peace in 2006 and the National Assembly, the lawmaking body, approved the Law on Atomic Energy in 2008. A project to build and operate the first nuclear power plant in Vietnam will be submitted to the Government and the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

At present, Vietnam is importing electricity from china and is planning to build several hydropower plants in neighbouring Laos to cater for the needs. The development of nuclear electricity will play important roles in ensuring the national electricity supply and security.

 

Mr Didier Kechemain, Deputy Managing Director of International Cooperation Division of France’s Nuclear Energy Committee, said Vietnam’s economic development will certainly lead to electric consumption. The second factor is the Vietnamese Government decided to ensure its independence and initiative in electric production and supply. That is an excellent and sound strategy.

 

Sharing the experience in conducting prefeasibility and feasibility studies on nuke power plants, Mr Othman Salhi, Deputy Director of Business Development of France-based Areva Group, said: Vietnam needs to pay attention to three main issues: location, overall compatibility (compatible with electric network) and industrial aspects.

 

In Vietnam, there are two most suitable locations: Phuoc Dinh and Vinh Hai (Ninh Thuan province). During the prefeasibility study period, such works as geological survey, seismic survey, natural condition inspection, socioeconomic and environmental studies will be carried out carefully. Prefeasibility studies have been conducted in both locations and found evidences for construction of nuclear power plants. Feasibility studies are going to be carried out.

 

France is one of the four nations with the most developed nuclear industries in the world. Up to 80 per cent of electricity in France comes from 58 nuclear power plants. Thus, Deputy Minister Do Huu Hao said that France’s experience will be very useful for Vietnam to develop nuclear power in the coming time.