On the afternoon of October 7, the National Assembly discussed the draft revised Electricity Law in the hall. Nuclear power development policy was one of the contents that many delegates contributed their opinions to discuss.

There must be a roadmap for nuclear power development to avoid waste.

Delegate Hoang Duc Chinh (Hoa Binh) said that the bill's provision on nuclear power is an important step in the national energy orientation, demonstrating the Party and State's interest in diversifying energy sources.

Nuclear power projects ensure a long-term, clean energy supply for production, especially for high-tech manufacturing industries that require a stable power source.

However, in 2016, the Government decided to suspend nuclear power projects, especially the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant project.

Delegates proposed to develop clear provisions on investment, management and operation of nuclear power plants, creating a legal basis for nuclear power development in the coming time.

In particular, it is necessary to supplement regulations on radioactive waste management and measures to ensure safety for the community and the environment when implementing nuclear power plant projects. This is to avoid public concerns and increase social consensus.

Along with that are added provisions on encouraging training, human resource development and international cooperation in the field of nuclear power.

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Delegate Dang Thi My Huong. Photo: QH

Delegate Dang Thi My Huong (Ninh Thuan) also expressed concern when the regulations on nuclear power content only stated a few lines.

Delegates are also concerned that the draft Law stipulates that the Prime Minister shall prescribe a specific mechanism to ensure effective implementation of investment in the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.

"Thus, the National Assembly does not discuss the construction of nuclear power plants but gives authority to the Prime Minister. I am really concerned," said delegate Huong, suggesting that the National Assembly should consider this regulation.

The female delegate of Ninh Thuan province suggested that it is necessary to study, develop and perfect legal regulations on nuclear power in a comprehensive, strict, synchronous manner, and to unify specific mechanisms and policies to ensure a legal basis for the successful and highly effective development of nuclear power.

She also suggested that there should be a specific roadmap for nuclear power development to avoid wasting state resources. Investment in nuclear power development needs to have a unified and effective policy to create trust among the people.

Delegates proposed to build Ninh Thuan into a green and clean industrial center to create competitive advantages for Ninh Thuan province as well as for the country in socio-economic development in the coming time.

Nuclear power is a must.

Delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap) said that the development of nuclear power is one of the world's trends. Some countries previously closed down but have now restarted due to the huge demand for electricity.

Mr. Hoa suggested that the Ministry of Industry and Trade propose to advise the Government to report to the competent authority to propose restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant as soon as possible. This is a very important issue because Vietnam is currently in great need of energy.

“If we continue to use coal-fired power, how can it be environmentally friendly? I think that only nuclear power can develop and ensure the country’s energy needs,” said a delegate from Dong Thap province.

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Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien. Photo: QH

Explaining later, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said that by 2030 we need twice the current electricity capacity, but by 2050 it must be five times.

The Minister analyzed that when traditional power sources have no room to develop, solar energy, even with electricity storage, cannot increase its current capacity by 7 times compared to renewable energy.

Therefore, nuclear power and new energy sources in the future are definitely necessary, but to be practical, they must be mentioned in the law right now.

“What is stipulated in the law, we will stipulate. If it is not clear, we will give that authority to the Government and the Government will direct, stipulate, and take specific steps. Only then will we have nuclear power projects after 10 years,” said Minister Nguyen Hong Dien.

The Minister added that for 17 years now, we have decided to invest in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant without any law, or even a decree, or specific regulations. We only paused it 7 years ago, not canceled it.

“Up to now, the competent authority has allowed research to restart, so this law must mention at least one thing that that power source, that type of energy is allowed to develop, and the specific steps will be assigned to the Government,” the Minister of Industry and Trade explained.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Dien also affirmed that giving the Government power does not mean the Government has such great power that it does not have to report to the National Assembly.

Minister of Industry and Trade: Electricity prices cannot be completely market-based

Minister of Industry and Trade: Electricity prices cannot be completely market-based

The Minister of Industry and Trade affirmed: "Electricity prices cannot be completely market-based, because they must be linked to socialist orientation." That is, even though the input is high, the output must be controlled and ensure macroeconomic safety.