Results of 3-year nuclear safety project announced

The results of an EU-funded project providing technical support in improving legal frameworks for nuclear safety and enhancing the capacity and effectiveness of the Vietnamese regulatory body were announced on April 16.

Illustration photo (Photo: Thai Thien)

Commencing on May 18, 2012, the project received EUR2 million (US$2.13 million) from the European Union alongside VND3 billion (US$140,000) from the State.

Bilateral co-operation between Vietnam and the EU has developed significantly, especially since the signing of the EU-Vietnam Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Partnership and Co-operation (PCA) in 2012, which marked a milestone in the 20-year relationship, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Quan remarked at the announcement ceremony in Hanoi.

The 3-year project has supported Vietnam in preparing human resources for the country’s nuclear power development plan and developing the capacity of its national regulatory body, the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) confirmed.

Its objective was to enable the VARANS to perform independent reviews and assessments of safety of nuclear power plants in accordance with international standards as well as to deal with nuclear incidents, improving the body’s governance of nuclear safety in Vietnam.

Legal and regulatory documents were also completed under the project.

At the ceremony, EU Ambassador Franz Jessen spoke of Vietnam’s efforts in carrying out the project over the past three years, pledging that the EU will continue sharing its experience concerning nuclear safety and security.

Jorge Tiria, the project’s Director, stressed the significance of improved national capacity on nuclear safety assessments and inspections as well as the impact of nuclear power plant locations on the environment.

He also shared experience in removing and reducing nuclear and radioactive disasters and emergencies.

(Source: nhandan.org.vn)