Ensure safety when building nuclear power plants

" To ensure the safety of the factory, there are 4 determinants to consider, of which the most important is technology and manpower operation ", Chairman of the Commission for Science, Technology and Environment Dang Vu Minh nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan is about to be submitted to the National Assembly.

- Could you please tell us the basic features of the nuclear power project to submit to the National Assembly at this session?

- As expected, the first two nuclear power plants with a capacity of 2,000 MW (capacity of Hoa Binh hydropower plant is 1,920 MW) will be built in Phuoc Dinh commune (Ninh Phuoc district) and Vinh Hai commune (Ninh district). Hai) of Ninh Thuan province in 2015. It is expected that in 2020 the plant will come into operation, helping solve the problem of energy shortage in the future.

Mr. Dang Vu Minh.(Photo: VA)

At this meeting, after the National Assembly approved the policy, the implementation of the project will be carried out by the Government.

- Many countries have more scientific and technological qualifications than Vietnam but choose clean energy from wind and ocean waves . Why do we choose nuclear power plan?

- Many countries develop other energies from wind, solar, even waves, collectively referred to as renewable energy. But calculations show that renewable energy development only satisfies about 10% of demand, cost is high and has weaknesses compared to other types of energy.

Given Vietnam's current conditions, in my opinion, nuclear power is the most suitable option to address the lack of energy in the coming years.

- With the current level of science and technology of Vietnam, many people are concerned about safety when operating the factory. As an authority to examine projects, how is the issue considered by the Science and Technology Committee?

- To ensure the safety of the factory, there are 4 determinants to consider.The first is preparation work. The experience of countries shows that it takes at least 15 years of preparation, which is the time needed to pass legal documents on atomic energy use, learn about countries' experiences, train staff and choose place.

The second is the source of cadres. A 2,000 MW nuclear power plant needs about 1,000 staff and technical workers, of which 10% are directly involved in the operation and service of the reactor operation. The number of these staff, with those who have a university degree in engineering, must be trained for at least another 5 years, internship in countries with nuclear technology development and then undergo rigorous examination. close to being certified to operate the reactor.

The third is technology, to choose technology so that when the factory starts operating in 2020, it is still advanced and modern technology. The fourth is the management and operation organization. This requires very strict labor laws, strict compliance with technical regulations.

In recent years, our officials have operated large projects such as Hoa Binh hydropower plant, Pha Lai thermal power plant, Ca Mau gas-power-fertilizer plant. I think that the experience gained during the operation of these facilities is essential to be able to operate a more complex project later than a nuclear power plant.

Through verification, we support the policy of building nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan.

Model of nuclear power plant according to Westinghouse AP 1000 technology.(Photo: WHN)

- He just mentioned the level of manpower operation will determine the safety of the plant, but Vietnam is lacking in human resources in the nuclear industry, while 10 years later the plant has operated?

- Since the late 1959, the state sent people to create in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe about nuclear physics, radioactive chemistry, reactor physics . are closely related specialties to Nuclear energy application. In 1975, these officials participated in the restoration of the Da Lat reactor. Since 1984, this reactor has run safely and efficiently. It is true that there are current human resources difficulties because most of these staff are older, some have retired.

Currently, we can rely on 3 human resources. The first is the staff with foreign languages, good professional qualifications to be sent abroad for training. Secondly, facilitating inviting Vietnamese experts working overseas with relevant expertise to consult. The third is to hire experts from international consulting organizations as they did for some important national projects.

In my opinion, special attention should be paid to the training of local officials. In 2015 when construction starts, the number of staff will participate right from the installation, adjustment, commissioning of the weak equipment and until the factory is completed in 2020, it can be directly involved in transportation. onions.

- Recently, the Science and Technology Commission and many other agencies have conducted surveys in countries with advanced nuclear power technology. In your opinion, which technology is suitable for Vietnam?

- Currently, there are 31 countries with 439 active nuclear reactors. I myself studied in France, Germany, Japan and Russia, some members of the Committee went to some other countries. Each country has its own experience, each technology has a certain strength. For nuclear reactors with a capacity of 1,000 MW, there are places where nearly 1,000 cadres and workers are needed but some places only have more than 500 people, it depends on many factors such as the type of technology, the level of automation. as a management method.

Of course, we need to invite good experts to advise in assessing the strengths and weaknesses of each type of technology.

Expected on November 6, Minister of Industry and Trade Vu Huy Hoang will present to the National Assembly on the policy of investing in nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan. A week later, the delegates will discuss in the hall on this issue.

On November 25, the National Assembly will vote on the resolution of the policy on investment in nuclear power project in Ninh Thuan.