Nuclear power development is a long-term strategy

Developing nuclear electricity in Vietnam is a long-term strategy being pursued in order to meet domestic energy demands, reduce the reliance on international energy sources, limit environmental pollution caused by burning fossil fuels, and promote the development of science-technology and infrastructure.  

At the forum (Credit: nangluongvietnam.vn)

Nguyen Cuong Lam, Deputy General Director of the Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN), declared nuclear power a national priority at the Nuclear Industry Suppliers Forum (Atomex Asia 2014) organised by Russia’s national nuclear corporation Rosatom in Ho Chi Minh City on November 19.

To ensure the success and safe operation of nuclear power plants, Vietnam needed to select the most appropriate locations and advanced technologies, and ensure a high-quality workforce in the field, he added.

EVN and Rosatom are jointly implementing a nuclear power project in the central province of Ninh Thuan. The Russian firm handed over the results of a feasibility study on the project to EVN, the plant’s investor, for consideration and submission for State approval.

To help Vietnam develop its nuclear energy sector, Rosatom has been training Vietnamese experts on constructing and operating nuclear power facilities. As many as 150 Vietnamese specialists gained practical experience at reactor sites No. 3 and 4 at the Rostov nuclear power plant in Russia. Around 340 Vietnamese students will study nuclear technology in Russia in 2014 and 2015 on Russian Government scholarships, which will be expanded to 1,000 students in the near future.

During the forum, participants examined the prospects for nuclear energy in Southeast Asia; the technology and safety protocols in nuclear reactors in Russia; capacity requirements for nuclear industry suppliers; infrastructure development and manpower training; and improving public awareness of nuclear energy.

Atomex Asia 2014, which ends on November 20, is part of Rosatom’s annual efforts to create opportunities for nuclear industry suppliers from around the globe to forge partnerships.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)