On the afternoon of November 27, the Vietnamese government presented a proposal to the National Assembly to continue investment in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects. The proposal highlighted the necessity of nuclear power development for the country.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh emphasized that Vietnam’s electricity demand is forecast to grow significantly in the coming years.

According to Power Development Plan VIII, the total installed capacity of the electricity system is expected to increase from approximately 80 GW currently to 150 GW by 2030 and to between 490 and 573 GW by 2050.

To meet these needs, the development of power sources must achieve a dual goal: ensuring sufficient electricity supply while transitioning to green and clean energy.

Nuclear power is seen as essential for diversifying energy sources, ensuring energy security, and meeting the dual requirements of providing a stable base-load power source and achieving sustainable green energy.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh stressed that the sites designated for nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan have undergone extensive evaluations by both domestic and international experts and are deemed ideal for nuclear energy development.

These locations have been strategically preserved as long-term energy reserves and could be activated quickly should the investment proposal move forward.

The Ninh Thuan nuclear projects were initially approved by the National Assembly, with EVN (Vietnam Electricity) designated as the main investor.

Preparatory work involved partnerships with Russian and Japanese consultants to develop feasibility studies and conduct site evaluations. Although the projects were suspended, the groundwork laid at the sites ensures a cost-effective and efficient restart.

The government aims to prioritize safety at the highest level, minimizing risks to both people and the environment. Deputy Prime Minister Binh also noted that the reuse of the previously studied sites would save significant time and resources in site selection and evaluation.

Le Quang Huy, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, expressed strong support for the continued investment in the Ninh Thuan nuclear projects.

He emphasized the urgency of resuming these projects to address the growing energy demand and ensure a sustainable and stable electricity supply.

The committee recommended that the government devise a comprehensive program to develop nuclear power in Vietnam, focusing on strengthening the country's scientific and technological capabilities and gradually mastering nuclear technology.

The proposal also highlighted the importance of establishing a suitable management model for nuclear power development, prioritizing human resource training, particularly in building a skilled team of nuclear experts.

The National Assembly and its Standing Committee were urged to carefully review and decide on the government's proposal to restart the Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects.

The move is seen as a critical step in ensuring Vietnam’s energy security and aligning with global sustainability trends.

Thu Hang