Consider decentralizing implementation of nuclear energy projects

Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung presented the report. Photo: media.quochoi.vn

Presenting the report, Minister of Science and Technology Nguyen Manh Hung said that the draft Law on Atomic Energy (amended) closely followed the four policies agreed upon by the Government.

Specifically, policy 1: Promote the development and socialization of atomic energy applications; policy 2: Ensure radiation safety, nuclear safety and security, decentralization in state management; policy 3: Facilitate nuclear inspection activities; policy 4: Manage radioactive waste, spent radioactive sources and spent nuclear fuel; respond to radiation incidents, nuclear incidents; civil liability for nuclear damage.

The draft law consists of 12 chapters and 73 articles (a reduction of 20 articles, equivalent to more than 20% of the number of articles compared to the 2008 Law). According to the original plan, this draft law will be submitted to the National Assembly for comments at the ninth session and approved at the tenth session. At this point, the content of the draft law can be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and approval in one session.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy reports on the investigation. Photo: media.quochoi.vn

Reporting on the review of the draft Law, Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy said that the Standing Committee of the Committee on Science, Technology and Environment basically agreed with the necessity of promulgating the Law on Atomic Energy (amended).

The Standing Committee also proposed to continue reviewing and comparing the provisions of the draft Law with relevant laws to ensure consistency and uniformity; continue to review, refer to, and ensure compatibility with international treaties such as the convention on nuclear safety, nuclear security and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons, and Vietnam's commitments at United Nations conferences on climate change.

Discussing at the meeting, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Vu Hong Thanh suggested reviewing the provisions of this law against laws being amended, such as the Law on Planning, the Law on Public Investment, the Law on Investment, etc., to have a unified approach to the principles of application.

Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Quang Phuong proposed ensuring the consistency of the draft Law with the Law on Civil Defense and the draft Law on State of Emergency, and the feasibility of coordination between relevant agencies.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Law and Justice Hoang Thanh Tung speaks at the discussion. Photo: media.quochoi.vn

Chairman of the National Assembly's Committee on Law and Justice Hoang Thanh Tung said that the submission and the review report did not clearly state the time for the approval of the draft Law according to the conclusion of the competent authority that the draft Law will be considered, commented on and approved by the National Assembly at the ninth session of the 15th National Assembly. In addition, although the draft Law dossier basically meets the requirements and is eligible to be submitted to the National Assembly Standing Committee for consideration and comments, Mr. Hoang Thanh Tung requested that all relevant documents and records be supplemented according to regulations for submission to the National Assembly.

Chairman of the National Assembly's Economic and Financial Committee Phan Van Mai said that it is necessary to thoroughly complete regulations on allowing individuals and organizations to invest in establishing radiation facilities and facilities conducting radiation work, including facilities producing and processing radioactive substances, due to concerns about the ability to ensure the safety of individuals and organizations. Mr. Phan Van Mai also suggested that there be a consensus on decentralization and delegation of authority in the draft Law.

In addition, the National Assembly Standing Committee also proposed to supplement regulations on design approval for nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors.

Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung speaks at the meeting. Photo: media.quochoi.vn

Regarding the issue of decentralization and delegation of power in the draft Law, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung said that the issue of nuclear energy is a new issue, nuclear safety must be put first and foremost, while our country has no experience in this issue.

Therefore, the Deputy Prime Minister said that it is necessary to clarify the basis, impact and influence of decentralization and delegation of power in implementing nuclear energy projects. "The policy of large projects will be decided by the National Assembly, while specific projects (under 2,000 MW) will be proactively assigned to the Government to decide on the policy," said the Deputy Prime Minister, adding that the draft Law needs to be passed soon to have a basis for urgently implementing the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project.

Concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan said that the National Assembly Standing Committee agreed to submit to the National Assembly for consideration the draft Law on Atomic Energy (amended) at the upcoming ninth session.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/can-nhac-viec-phan-cap-thuc-hien-cac-du-an-nang-luong-nguyen-tu-698855.html