Brian Jeffrey
Discussions on Amending the Electricity Law
On October 7, the National Assembly convened to deliberate on proposed changes to the Electricity Law, with particular attention on the role of nuclear power in the nation’s energy strategy. This topic drew significant comments from various representatives.
Key Insights from Delegates
Hoang Duc Chinh, a delegate from Hoa Binh Province, emphasized that incorporating nuclear energy in the legislative proposal is crucial for the nation’s energy plans, reflecting a commitment to a diverse energy portfolio. He highlighted the potential of nuclear projects to supply clean energy over the long term, which is especially important for high-tech industries reliant on consistent energy availability.
Chinh also recalled the government’s 2016 decision to halt nuclear endeavors, notably the Ninh Thuan nuclear plant. He urged for the formulation of explicit regulations regarding the investment, management, and operation of nuclear plants to ensure a reliable legal framework for this sector. Moreover, he stressed the importance of establishing guidelines for radioactive waste disposal and ensuring environmental safety, aiming to address public concerns and gain societal backing. Additionally, he proposed measures to enhance workforce training and encourage global partnerships in nuclear energy.
Concerns Raised by Other Delegates
Deputy Dang Thi My Huong from Ninh Thuan Province voiced her unease regarding the limited mention of nuclear energy in the draft law. She contested a provision allowing the Prime Minister to create special rules for nuclear plant operations, arguing that such critical decisions should include the National Assembly’s input.
Huong advocated for a detailed and cohesive legal structure for nuclear energy development, incorporating special policies to guarantee effective progress. She suggested creating a clear, strategic plan for nuclear energy development to prevent resource wastage and align investments with long-term goals that would strengthen public confidence. Furthermore, she recommended designating Ninh Thuan as a hub for eco-friendly industries, generating competitive advantages for both the province and the national economy.
Support for Nuclear Energy
Deputy Pham Van Hoa from Dong Thap stressed the importance of nuclear energy as a global trend, noting that some countries have resumed operations of their nuclear facilities to meet rising energy demands. He urged the Ministry of Industry and Trade to expedite plans for restarting the Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant, emphasizing its significance given Vietnam’s energy challenges.
“Relying on coal energy is not environmentally sustainable. Only nuclear energy can adequately fulfill our nation’s energy requirements,” Hoa asserted.
Future Energy Needs
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien elaborated on Vietnam’s growing energy needs, projecting that by 2030, the country will require double its current electricity capacity, with a fivefold increase by 2050. He pointed out that conventional energy sources are limited and acknowledged that renewable solar power will not suffice alone to meet the anticipated demand.
Dien reiterated the necessity of including nuclear and other innovative energy sources in the legislative framework now to facilitate future projects. He clarified that while the law needs to define certain parameters, further operational decisions should be delegated to the government to enable practical implementation.
“This strategy will allow us to commence nuclear projects within the next decade,” he noted. “The decision to invest in Ninh Thuan has been on hold for 17 years, but it was only temporarily suspended seven years ago and not entirely cancelled.” The minister further assured that this delegation of authority would not undermine the checks and balances provided by the National Assembly.
