On November 30, 2024, the 15th National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution on the restart of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and continued study of the environmental impact of a nuclear power programme in Vietnam.
To meet the requirements of developing this high-tech energy source, over the next 10 to 15 years, Vietnam needs to train high-quality human resources to operate nuclear power plants.
On November 30, 2024, the 15th National Assembly passed a resolution on the restart of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and continued study of the environmental impact of a nuclear power programme in Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)
The decision to restart nuclear power comes amid the need to gradually reduce coal-fired power and move toward eliminating it due to environmental concerns, in line with the government’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Meanwhile, liquefied gas power faces the problem of unstable supply and prices, and there is no more potential of hydropower mega projects.
According to the National Power Development Plan VIII, by 2030, Vietnam’s total electricity capacity must reach approximately 150 GW, or over 10 GW must be added annually. By 2050, the total capacity of power plants in the country will be between 490.529 and 573.129 GW.
The International Renewable Energy Agency estimates that Vietnam has a potential of 1.2 terawatts in renewable energy, 15 times higher than the current installed capacity. There are many favourable locations across the country for building renewable power plants. However, the unstable nature of wind and solar energy limits their contribution to the overall energy supply system of any country.
Vietnam harnesses diverse energy potential to support national development. (Photos: VNA)
Runners participate in the Coteccons Quang Binh Marathon 2022 at the B&T wind farm complex in the central province of Quang Binh. (Photo: Organising committee of the Coteccons Quang Binh Marathon)
“The development of nuclear power will help diversify supply, ensure energy security, and promote green energy. The nuclear power project is also an opportunity for the country to develop high-quality human resources, enhance national scientific and technological capabilities, participate in the global nuclear supply chain, and learn to master nuclear technology,”
Party General Secretary To Lam
In May 2024, Party General Secretary To Lam visits the planned site for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant in Thuan Nam district. (Photo: VNA)
The workforce for nuclear power has been a challenge since Vietnam first studied to develop the Ninh Thuan project in 2009. According to the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, over the past 50 years, Vietnam has trained about 1,000 technicians for nuclear power sector with about 400 being trained from 2005 to 2020.
Hoang Anh Tuan, former Director of the Department of Atomic Energy under the Ministry of Science and Technology ( MoST) said that Vietnam has gathered many important resources for nuclear power development.
Ninh Thuan is investing in infrastructure development in areas designated for the construction of the nuclear power plant in Thai An village, Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district and Vinh Truong village, Phuoc Dinh commune, Thuan Nam district. (Photo: VNA)
Vietnam also has a nuclear regulatory system, an atomic energy law, and regulatory documents for the construction of nuclear power plants, following the National Assembly’s approval of the two Ninh Thuan nuclear projects in 2009, though the development was later halted.
Hoang Anh Tuan, former Director of the Department of Atomic Energy under the Ministry of Science and Technology
However, Tuan noted that now, with the nuclear power programme being restarted, ensuring a workforce that meets safety, security, efficiency, and sustainability requirements based on international experience remains an urgent challenge for Vietnam.
Retraining, attracting competent human resources
Tran Chi Thanh, Director of the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) under the MoST, said that it’s hard to find personnel for the nuclear energy sector due to the industry’s specialisation, making it less attractive to young people and students. Additionally, salaries are often lower than in many other fields, making it challenging to attract talent.
“As Vietnam develops its nuclear power programme, it also needs to plan to train additional human resources, and attract those with nuclear experience from other countries, including Russia and Japan. Mechanisms to attract trained professionals currently working in related fields is also crucial.”
According to Thanh, VINATOM has built a strong research team in technology, nuclear safety analysis and fields related to atomic energy. This team will continue to be trained to become experts and promote its role in the construction of Ninh Thuan plant.
Emergency response drill at the Da Lat nuclear reactor in June 2023. (Photo: VNA)
Nguyen Nhi Dien, former Director of the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute said Vietnam sent nearly 400 people to Russia for training, around 100 to Japan, and nearly 100 to other countries. Additionally, experts in the nuclear energy sector and the Vietnam Electricity Group (EVN) were also provided training. However, after Vietnam halted its nuclear power investment policy, these trained individuals returned to Vietnam to work in other agencies while some stayed in Russia to work for Russia’s nuclear projects.
“Vietnam can continue to utilise this well-trained workforce through policies to attract them back to nuclear energy, while also retraining them to enhance their skills and capabilities,” said Dien.”
Nguyen Nhi Dien, former Director of the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute
In fact, based on international experience, operating a nuclear power plant requires thousands of highly skilled technical personnel. Vietnam needs to continue developing a human resource training plan for nuclear power sector in the coming time, Dien affirmed./.
