On October 7, the National Assembly held a session to discuss the draft amendment to the Electricity Law. The development of nuclear power was a focal point, with many delegates offering input on the topic.

Delegate Hoang Duc Chinh (Hoa Binh Province) remarked that the inclusion of nuclear energy in the draft law is a vital step for national energy strategy, reflecting the Party and State’s commitment to diversifying energy sources.

He emphasized that nuclear projects could provide a long-term supply of clean energy, particularly crucial for high-tech industries requiring stable electricity.

However, he pointed out that in 2016, the government decided to suspend nuclear projects, particularly the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant. Chinh recommended establishing clear provisions for the investment, management, and operation of nuclear facilities to form a solid legal foundation for the sector.

Specific rules, he added, should be established for radioactive waste management and community and environmental safety to alleviate public concerns and foster societal support. Additionally, Chinh advocated including provisions to support workforce training and international cooperation in nuclear energy.

Deputy Dang Thi My Huong (Ninh Thuan Province) expressed concern that nuclear energy provisions were only briefly mentioned in the draft law. She questioned a clause granting the Prime Minister authority to establish special mechanisms for the construction and operation of nuclear power plants, suggesting that such a significant decision should also involve the National Assembly.

Huong called for a comprehensive legal framework for nuclear energy that is precise, unified, and includes necessary special policies to ensure successful and efficient development.

Additionally, she proposed a clear roadmap for nuclear energy development to avoid wasting state resources, with investments aligning with long-term, effective goals to build public trust. Huong also suggested establishing Ninh Thuan as a hub for clean and green industries, creating a competitive advantage for the province and the country’s economic growth.

Nuclear power is essential

Deputy Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) asserted that nuclear energy is a global trend, noting that some countries have reopened nuclear plants due to growing electricity demands. Hoa recommended that the Ministry of Industry and Trade propose to the government a plan to restart the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant at the earliest possible time, calling this issue crucial given Vietnam’s current energy shortfall.

“Continuing to rely on coal power is unsustainable for the environment. Only nuclear energy can sufficiently meet the nation's energy needs,” stated Hoa.

Following the discussion, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien explained that by 2030, Vietnam will need twice its current power capacity, and by 2050, this will need to increase fivefold. Dien argued that traditional energy sources are limited, and even with energy storage, solar power cannot meet the projected needs.

For this reason, Dien stressed that nuclear energy and other new sources must be included in the law now to pave the way for future projects. He clarified that while some specifics should be defined in the law, further decision-making authority should be entrusted to the government to outline actionable steps.

“This approach will allow us to have nuclear projects in 10 years. For 17 years, we’ve decided on investing in the Ninh Thuan plant without a comprehensive legal framework. The project was only temporarily suspended seven years ago, not canceled,” said Dien.

The minister also clarified that delegating authority to the government does not mean bypassing National Assembly oversight.

Thu Hang