(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam’s Ministry of Industry and Trade has been tasked with researching other countries’ development of nuclear power to assess its feasibility in Vietnam, which can help supplement base load power sources and minimize environmental risks.
 Illustrative image (Photo: REUTERS) |
According to a recent Government statement, the Ministry is required to review all power sources outlined in the National Power Development Plan for the 2021-2030 period to address challenges facing natural gas and offshore wind power projects.
The Ministry must direct the switch from coal-fired to gas-fired power as a primary power source, prioritize domestic production to ensure an annual power supply growth of 12-15%, as well as ensure national energy security.
In 2009, Vietnam approved plans to develop its first two nuclear power plants, but the plans were shelved in 2016 following the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
A draft Electricity Law (amended) currently being consulted identifies nuclear power as one of Vietnam’s new sources of energy, and discusses its development in Vietnam.