Hanoi Times - Vietnam is capable of operating nuclear power plants, and the plan to run its first nuclear reactor in 2020 is of great significance in the situation of power shortage.

The Vice Chairman of the NA’s Committee for Science, Technology and Environment, Nguyen Dang Vang, made the statement regarding the controversial issue while meeting with the press o­n the sidelines of the o­ngoing NA session in Hanoi .

He said the country’s energy demand sees an annual growth rate of 17 percent while the energy production annually increases by o­nly 13-14 percent, adding that some 32 months are enough for Vietnam to prepare personnel for the industry.
As Vietnam is facing insufficiency of hydro-electric and thermo-electric sources, the nuclear power solution will supply power at a low cost, equal to 60-65 percent as compared with other solutions, with limited impacts o­n the environment.
According to a draft prepared by the Ministry of Industry and Trade to be submitted to the NA, Vietnam will build two nuclear power plants in the central coastal province of Ninh Thuan, with four 1,000 MW nuclear reactors.
It is expected that the first reactor will be put into operation in 2020 to meet 1 percent of the total national consumption. o­nce completed, the two plants will be able to contribute an increasing power volume, satisfying from 6 percent by 2030 to 20-25 percent of the national demand by 2050.
Many nuclear power experts supported the project, seeing it proper in the context that the world is facing energy crisis and help reduce exhaust fumes.
However, experts also recommended attention to issues of personnel training, nuclear waste treatment, environmental protection and radiation safety.
Prof. Pham Duy Hien, former director of the Vietnam Nuclear Energy Institute, suggested the operation of o­ne reactor to withdraw practical experiences for further developing personnel, infrastructure, and laws for the nuclear energy industry.
Sharing Hien’s view, Prof. Chu Hao, former Deputy Minister of Science and Technology, also underlined the importance for nuclear power production in Vietnam though it required time to improve personnel, technology and management capacity.
To meet the demands of human resource for the industry, the Ministry of Education and Training will start enrolling students as from 2009. The ministry has set to work o­n the project and chose universities for nuclear electricity training.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade predicts Vietnam will need about 294 billion kWh by 2020 and 562 billion kWh by 2030, while primary sources are estimated to be capable of producing o­nly 230 billion kWh, and 293 billion kWh by the time