According to Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, the government has issued a policy to invest in the development of nuclear power and tasked the Ministry of Industry and Trade with conducting the research.

Previously, a policy for nuclear power development was introduced in 2009 but was later suspended. Recently, based on the National Power Development Plan VIII, the ministry has been revisiting the matter, assessing current realities and practical needs to report to the government.

Deputy Minister Tan added that globally, developing nuclear power has become a trend. With increasing energy demand and a shortage of baseload power, many countries have turned to nuclear energy. Consequently, these nations are researching ways to double or triple their nuclear power production and capacity.

In Japan, despite previous incidents, nuclear power still accounts for 20-25% of the country’s electricity production, he pointed out.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan emphasized that nuclear power technology worldwide has progressed to the 3rd and 4th generations. These technologies have been applied in practice, ensuring maximum safety with a risk level close to zero.

Regarding the timeline for nuclear power development, the Deputy Minister stated that the ministry is currently seeking policy approval and reporting to relevant authorities, especially the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to the process, state agency approval is required to proceed further, including calculating investment levels, timelines, and demand. From these assessments, it will be possible to determine when nuclear power projects can be established and the expected electricity output, he further explained.

Earlier, on October 21, under the authorization of the Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien presented the draft amendment to the Law on Electricity before the National Assembly.

In the latest draft of the amended Law on Electricity, nuclear power development is addressed. The government proposes that the state should maintain a monopoly on the investment and construction of nuclear power plants, as these projects are crucial to national security.

Notably, nuclear power projects must use modern, verified technology to ensure the highest level of safety. Additionally, depending on the socio-economic conditions at different times, the draft law specifies that the Prime Minister will outline special mechanisms for the investment, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants.

Furthermore, the planning of nuclear power as an energy source is integrated and synchronized with the national power development plan to ensure energy security.

The investment, construction, operation, decommissioning, and safety assurance of nuclear power plants must comply with the Atomic Energy Law and related regulations.

Tam An