“Applying international standards in the design, operation, and management of nuclear power plants to ensure safety and sustainable development.”
Adopting International Standards for Nuclear Power Plant Design in Vietnam
Clearly defined standards, safety, and workforce training
INTRODUCTION
Nuclear power plants in Vietnam must adhere to international standards.
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung emphasized that applying international standards to nuclear power plants is essential when Vietnam has yet to issue national technical regulations. On April 14, the National Assembly Standing Committee reviewed the draft revised Law on Atomic Energy, in which nuclear power plant design is considered a key component.
Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung. Photo: Pham Thang
According to the Minister, nuclear power plants must follow national technical regulations. However, in the absence of specific national standards, plants are allowed to use international or foreign technical standards proposed by their partners. These standards must be tailored to Vietnam’s conditions and comply with the safety guidelines of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Additionally, principles such as defense-in-depth, radiation safety, and nuclear security must be strictly implemented.
Ensuring Stability and Safety in Plant Operations
Beyond design, nuclear power plant operations must also meet stringent requirements. Advanced, proven-safe technologies must be used, ensuring stability throughout the plant’s lifecycle, accounting for human factors and human-machine interactions. These are critical to enhancing the safety of nuclear energy facilities in the future.
Furthermore, Minister Hung acknowledged that the 2008 Atomic Energy Law no longer aligns with the rapid development of nuclear technology. Many regulations are outdated, inconsistent with new laws or IAEA guidelines, and overlap among regulatory agencies. Therefore, amending the law is imperative to enhance state management efficiency in the nuclear energy sector.
DEVELOPMENT ORIENTATION
Developing Nuclear Power Plants Aligned with International Standards
The government has proposed shifting the decision-making authority for nuclear power plant investments from the National Assembly to the Prime Minister to expedite the approval process. At the same time, the draft law includes additional provisions to improve the quality of human resources for nuclear power plant projects. According to Minister Hung, by 2030, Vietnam needs to invest $25-30 billion to implement the Ninh Thuan nuclear energy project, focusing on workforce training and strengthening local management capabilities.
Regarding oversight, Nguyen Dac Vinh, Chairman of the Committee for Culture and Social Affairs, emphasized that the law must clearly define the responsibilities of agencies in ensuring safety and protecting nuclear power plants. Workers in this field must possess professional certifications and be subject to strict state supervision.
Chairman of the Committee for Science, Technology, and Environment Le Quang Huy. Photo: Pham Thang
Nuclear Power Plants Require Comprehensive Legal Frameworks to Ensure National Security
The revised Atomic Energy Law aims to establish a solid legal foundation to promote the sustainable development of nuclear energy applications. The draft law includes 12 chapters and 73 articles, a reduction of 19 articles compared to the current law, focusing on four main policies:
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Encouraging socialization and expanding the application of nuclear energy.
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Ensuring radiation safety, nuclear safety, and security, with clear management delegation.
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Facilitating inspections and oversight in the nuclear sector.
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Enhancing the management of radioactive waste, spent fuel, and preparedness for emergencies.
The draft law is expected to be submitted to the 15th National Assembly in 2025. Its enactment will mark a significant milestone in ensuring that nuclear power plants in Vietnam fully comply with international standards, contributing to national security and sustainable development.
(Vn-Industry.)
Source: Compiled
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