At a press briefing on December 7, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan has announced that the total investment for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project will amount to billions of dollars, contingent on several factors, with preliminary reports estimating a multi-billion-dollar figure.

Deputy Minister Tan noted that during its eighth session, the National Assembly passed a resolution endorsing the continuation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has conducted thorough reviews and submitted reports to the government and other relevant authorities.

The government has tasked various ministries and the Ministry of Industry and Trade with specific responsibilities, including the completion of the legal framework. The National Assembly has approved amendments to the Electricity Law, incorporating provisions for nuclear power development.

Additionally, the government has proposed revisions to the Atomic Energy Law, which will be submitted to the National Assembly as a foundation for addressing technological, safety, and development concerns related to nuclear power.

“This provides the legal corridor for nuclear power development,” Deputy Minister Tan emphasized.

In parallel, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has coordinated with other agencies to align related legal frameworks concerning investment, construction, safety, and environmental protection.

The Ministry has advised the government and the Prime Minister to establish a Steering Committee for the construction of nuclear power plants, chaired by the Prime Minister, with the Deputy Prime Minister serving as the standing vice-chair. A task force led by the Minister of Industry and Trade will also be created, including representatives from relevant ministries and experts in nuclear power development.

According to Deputy Minister Tan, the Ministry of Industry and Trade will soon propose adjustments to Power Development Plan 8, which serves as a legal basis for implementing the National Assembly and Central Government’s policy on nuclear energy.

The Ministry will also recommend authorities select a developer to spearhead the project. This entity will oversee research, propose initiatives, construct, and operate the nuclear power plant.

On the local level, the Ministry has urged Ninh Thuan province's leadership to prepare clean, accessible land and garner public support to facilitate smooth project implementation.

Deputy Minister Tan highlighted that the project enjoys strong consensus, marking a favorable start. Initially proposed years ago, the project faced delays due to external factors but now benefits from prior preparation and planning.

However, challenges remain, particularly in selecting technologies that guarantee safety and security, as well as addressing potential risks.

“We will proceed cautiously, step by step. Modern technologies today are highly advanced and ensure safety,” he reassured.

The project’s estimated investment depends on factors such as scale and technological requirements, but initial calculations point to several billion dollars.

The nuclear power project is expected to provide significant advantages, particularly as a clean, reliable energy source. It aligns with Vietnam’s dual goals of pursuing green and renewable energy.

With the development of nuclear power alongside other green energy sources, the project will contribute to energy security while offering both foundational and environmentally sustainable energy solutions.

The project also promises to support economic and social growth, not only for Ninh Thuan province and its surrounding regions but also for the entire country, with ambitions to export energy.

Moreover, it will drive advancements in high-tech fields, particularly in atomic energy science, and foster the growth of related industries.

Thu Hang