In its 2022 oversight report, the National Assembly’s Economic Committee concluded that certain locations previously studied and deemed potential sites for nuclear power are “difficult to replace,” given their safety and suitability.

Ninh Thuan’s initial selection and rigorous screening

On November 25, 2009, the National Assembly approved Resolution No. 41/2009/NQ-QH12, authorizing the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project. However, the 14th National Assembly issued Resolution No. 31/2016/QH14, suspending the project as of November 22, 2016.

Now, discussions about reviving nuclear power research are back on the table. A draft revision to the Law on Electricity also includes updates regarding nuclear energy development.

Previously, Ninh Thuan was identified as the site for two nuclear power plants, having met rigorous international safety standards. A comprehensive 2022 report by the Economic Committee noted that extensive research identified Ninh Thuan as a suitable candidate.

IAEA’s three-stage site selection process

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) specifies a three-stage process for selecting a nuclear power plant location:

1. Site Search and Exploration

2. Site Evaluation

3. Supplemental Research (pre- and post-operation)

Between 1996 and 2000, potential sites were identified. Phase two involved narrowing down promising locations, while the final stage (2001-2007) involved ranking each site’s feasibility.

The process required sites to meet stringent IAEA criteria, including electricity supply range, water sources, geological stability, protection from natural disasters (earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, etc.), air traffic, military zones, land type, and local support.

The consulting consortium E4-KIEP-EPT and JAPC (Japan Atomic Power Company) assisted with the study, ultimately identifying 20 potential sites across 11 provinces. This was narrowed down to 10 sites in seven provinces, with the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 906/QD-TTg (June 17, 2010) selecting eight final sites across six provinces.

Of these, Phuoc Dinh and Vinh Hai in Ninh Thuan Province received extensive study and met IAEA’s safety requirements.

From 2010 to 2015, feasibility studies and site assessments at each location cost over $30 million, funded by non-refundable grants from Russia and Japan. In 2011-2015, Vietnam Electricity signed contracts with the Russian consortium E4-KIEP-EPT and JAPC for site approval and project investment records for Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2.

According to Ninh Thuan’s April 1, 2022 report, the total area allocated for the nuclear power plants was 1,642.22 hectares, with a local population of 3,717 across 1,063 households.

Following the 2016 project suspension, the government reallocated the Ninh Thuan 1 plant area to renewable energy, while the Ninh Thuan 2 site retained its original zoning. Both sites remain zoned for nuclear energy per the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s decision.

The Economic Committee advised that canceling project-related decisions could be perceived as ending nuclear energy development, despite these well-researched, “irreplaceable” sites. Instead, it recommended retaining the zoning until the government makes a final decision.

The Economic Committee emphasized that nuclear power, a low-emission energy source, would significantly contribute to reducing climate change impacts, ensuring national energy security, and stabilizing the power system, especially as renewable energy sources surge.

To ensure Vietnam’s independent, secure energy future, nuclear power should be considered as part of the country’s energy development strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Luong Bang