Vietnam ensures safety in nuclear plant development

As Vietnam looks to a future of nuclear power, the authorities are looking to ensure adequate infrastructure, human resources and above all, impeccable safety standards.

Professor Phạm Duy Hiển began researching nuclear power and related subjects in 1960. He shares his concern of Vietnam’s nuclear power plans and the potential safety hazards that can accompany this development.

According to the National Power Development Plan, the original construction start date would have meant completion of the Ninh Thuan I and II nuclear power plants in 2022. Nevertheless, Vietnam wants to guarantee the best of safety standards before construction kick-starts.

Experts have emphasised that Vietnam is implementing its preparatory work while following up on advice from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Apart from guaranteeing the use of advanced and safe technology, the quality of human resources required in nuclear energy development has also raised concerns.

At present, Vietnam looks to having the first nuclear power plant go into operation by around 2023, with investment from Russia, while the second will develop based on co-operation from Japan. The National Assembly approved the plan to construct Vietnam’s first nuclear power plant in 2009./.