Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, in Notice 316 issued by the Government Office on 24/6, expressed concern over the slow progress of negotiations with partners for investment and construction of nuclear power plants.

"Negotiations are crucial and directly impact subsequent steps, including approval adjustments for investment policies, investment approvals, and project implementation," the notice stated. The deputy prime minister warned that this delay could jeopardize the goal of completing the project by 31/12/2030 (or 31/12/2031 at the latest), as directed by the Prime Minister.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade, the standing body of the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, has been tasked with establishing a negotiation team for investment and construction cooperation on the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant. The Ministry is required to clarify the responsibilities of each party in ensuring project execution. This must be completed in July to facilitate the signing of an intergovernmental agreement between Vietnam and Russia on investment and construction cooperation for the Ninh Thuan 1 plant in August.

Vietnam Electricity (EVN), in conjunction with the Ministry of Industry and Trade, is preparing the negotiation agenda, particularly regarding technical and technological aspects. They will participate in the negotiation team with Russia for investment in the Ninh Thuan 1 nuclear power plant.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, PetroVietnam (PVN), and other relevant agencies are to discuss with Japan the possibility of continued investment cooperation in the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power plant project and report the results to the Prime Minister in July.

A reactor at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA in 2019. Photo: Constellation Energy

A reactor at Three Mile Island Nuclear Generating Station in Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA in 2019. Photo: Constellation Energy

Vietnam has restarted the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, with an estimated completion time of five years. Ninh Thuan 1 is located in Phuoc Dinh Commune, Thuan Nam District, and Ninh Thuan 2 is in Vinh Hai Commune, Ninh Hai District. EVN and PVN are the respective investors for these two plants.

According to the government, developing power sources, including nuclear power, is essential for ensuring energy security and meeting the demands of double-digit growth in the coming years. Vietnam's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 necessitates a rapid transition to green, clean, and renewable energy.

In addition to negotiations, the deputy prime minister has directed relevant ministries, sectors, and Ninh Thuan Province to proactively address and resolve any obstacles hindering project implementation. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Home Affairs are to promptly consolidate the Steering Committee for Nuclear Power Plant Construction, and together with other ministries and sectors, finalize the plan for implementing special mechanisms for investment in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project. A report on this must be submitted to the Prime Minister before 25/6.

The deputy prime minister also requested the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Industry and Trade to agree on regulations regarding the safe distance between residential areas and the plant's perimeter fence, providing guidance to Ninh Thuan Province. This task must be completed before 25/6.

The Ministry of Science and Technology must also complete a report assessing Vietnam's nuclear power infrastructure based on IAEA standards by August.

The Ministry of Finance is responsible for finalizing the allocation of funds to Ninh Thuan Province from the increased central budget revenue in 2024 for resettlement and relocation related to the project. The Ministry of Finance, along with the State Bank, EVN, and PVN, is to negotiate credit supply agreements with partners, clarifying the payment methods for each project. A report on this is due to the Prime Minister in July.

The State Bank, the Ministry of Finance, and EVN are to work with Russian authorities to resolve payment issues during the negotiation of the intergovernmental agreement. Ninh Thuan Province is responsible for completing adjustments to provincial planning and land use, providing the basis for resettlement and relocation.

Phuong Dung