Nuclear power as a clean energy solution

Speaking at the "Human Resource Development for Nuclear Power Science and Technology" conference on January 2, Minister Nguyen Hong Dien revealed that the Central Government, National Assembly, and Government had recently approved plans to restart the nuclear power program, including the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project.

This decision aligns with Vietnam’s growing energy needs and its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Traditional energy sources, such as hydropower and coal, have reached their limits, while renewable sources like wind and solar face challenges related to natural conditions and technological requirements.

Nuclear power, recognized as a clean and stable energy source, offers rapid peak capacity attainment, making it a critical component of Vietnam's energy strategy.

Fifteen years ago, surveys indicated that 13-14 locations across Vietnam could host nuclear power plants, particularly small modular reactors. These reactors complement renewable energy sources and are well-suited to Vietnam’s geographic and energy development needs.

The Minister highlighted Vietnam's young, dynamic population as a key advantage in adopting and advancing nuclear power technology.

Human resource challenges

While Vietnam has potential sites for nuclear plants, a significant hurdle lies in the shortage of skilled human resources.

According to Ly Quoc Hung, Director of the Science and Technology Department at the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam lacks both the quantity and quality of personnel for nuclear science and technology, especially top-tier scientists and technical experts.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) recommends that operating a nuclear power plant with two 1,000 MW reactors requires 600-1,200 professionals with educational backgrounds ranging from vocational training to university degrees.

Key positions in nuclear power plants, such as radiation safety control and reactor operation, may require 5-10 years of training and practical experience.

For Vietnam, two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan would require a workforce of approximately 2,400 professionals, along with an additional 350 experts in areas like nuclear law, fuel cycle management, and safety assurance.

A call for long-term training initiatives

Associate Professor Le Thi Hong Anh, Vice Rector of the University of Industry in Ho Chi Minh City, stressed that nuclear power workforce training must begin decades in advance to ensure readiness.

She suggested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade collaborate with the Ministry of Education and Training to integrate nuclear energy and quantum science into academic curricula. This would prepare students for roles ranging from project management and plant construction to operations and maintenance.

Minister Nguyen Hong Dien reiterated the importance of comprehensive training programs, tailored to specific nuclear technologies, as a prerequisite for sustainable and safe nuclear power development.

He emphasized that Vietnam’s future workforce must be capable of mastering operational tasks and transferring technology to achieve self-reliance.

To support this, the Ministry of Industry and Trade plans to coordinate with the Ministry of Education and Training to establish standardized training programs. International collaborations will also play a key role in developing Vietnam’s nuclear power talent pool.

Building a nuclear energy ecosystem

Minister Dien concluded by underscoring the need to establish a robust nuclear energy ecosystem in Vietnam.

This involves preparing a diverse range of personnel, including engineers, scientists, and managers, while evaluating the capacity of domestic and international institutions to provide the necessary training.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade will lead efforts to develop comprehensive human resource training programs and foster international cooperation in building Vietnam's nuclear energy future,” he affirmed.

Tam An