Da Lat atomic reactor.

VietNamNet Bridge – The fuel of the atomic reactor at the Atomic Research Institute in Da Lat has been replaced by low-enriched uranium, confirming Vietnam’s commitment to use nuclear energy for peace.

“36 percent enriched uranium has been replaced by 19.75 percent enriched uranium,” said Dr. Nguyen Nhi Dien, director of the Da Lat Atomic Research Institute.

In theory, highly-enriched uranium can be used to process energy for atomic weapon. In 1978, the US called for countries which have nuclear power plants to use less than 20 percent enriched uranium.

“Through this event, Vietnam confirms its target of using atomic energy for peaceful purposes and implements its commitment to not proliferate nuclear weapons,” Dr. Dien said.

Enriched uranium is the fuel that is used in most of atomic reactors, including the Da Lat reactor.

The kind of uranium produced by Russia, which was used at the Da Lat atomic reactor since 1980, is called the highly-enriched uranium, with 36 percent of uranium.

PV