The path of Vietnam nuclear power development

Vietnam has been approaching the path of nuclear power development (DHN), step by step into the period of preparing to build the first nuclear power plant in its country.

Those steps in the strategy of atomic energy application for peaceful purposes in our country cannot help taking into account the general trend in the world. And necessarily derived from the real needs of the country's development career, at the same time anticipating the ability to overcome great difficulties and challenges ahead.

World trends: Back to nuclear power?

Nuclear power industry in the world has experienced development history for more than half a century, with different ups and downs. In the first stage (50-60 years of the last century), nuclear power only appeared in advanced technology countries. After that, in the years 60-70, nuclear power developed massively at a rate of 25% / year, dragging countries like Japan, South Korea, etc.

Atomic power plant in Cattenom, France.

After the Three Mile Island nuclear incident, especially after the Chernobyl disaster, the global nuclear industry went into decline. Some countries such as Sweden, Finland, Italy, Germany etc . advocate step by step eliminating nuclear energy.

But entering the twenty-first century, and especially in recent years, the policy for NUCs of a number of countries in the world has changed markedly. It was the most pioneering countries in the movement to eliminate UE now turned around.

Sweden had expected to shut down all nuclear power units in 2002, but in fact only stopped 2 units out of 12 units, and now, early 2009, the government decided intends to build a new nuclear power plant.

In Finland, Congress approved and a new nuclear power plant (its fifth factory) is under construction. In Italy, two ENEL energy companies (Italy) and EDF (France) have agreed to conduct a feasibility study on the construction of four new nuclear power plants, and the two heads of Italy and France signed cooperation on energy efficiency.

Germany, although it is expected that the nuclear power plant will eventually cease to operate before 2022, now continues to work with France to study advanced reactors with higher safety.

In the above trend, it is not uncommon for nuclear powers like the US, Britain, France, Russia . to continue the development of nuclear power. In the United States alone, two years ago, in 'Vision 2020' about nuclear power, seven new reactors were built to add 10,000MW of electricity, including a plan to build about 20 more. In addition, operating reactors are allowed to extend the extraction time from 40 to 60 years.

In particular, Asian countries (China, Japan, India, South Korea) and developing countries (Argentina, Brazil, South Africa .) increasingly promote the development of nuclear power. Some countries like Indonesia, Thailand, Egypt, Turkey, Libya . after a period of hesitation, are returning to consider building their first energy reactor in the next decade.

Around the world, about 100 additional kilns will be added in the next decade, considering putting in a plan to build about 200 more kilns in the next 20-30 years. Global nuclear capacity is expected to increase from 372,000 MW currently to 1,000,000 MW by the middle of the century and the density of nuclear power will reach 19%.

Clearly, after twenty quiet years, since the Chernobyl incident, the picture of HUN in the world has really changed in the direction of change. Energy strategists almost agree that nuclear power still plays an important role, at least, in the next three or four decades, because no other new energy source has yet been able to replace nuclear power.

Vietnam National University: Needs and prospects

The above change of nuclear power is being motivated by the following key factors:

First, the advancement of the technology of manufacturing energy reactors, the heart of nuclear power plants. Technological improvements have improved the safety of nuclear power plants and increased people's confidence in nuclear power plants.

Around the world, started using third and third generation reactors with higher safety and economic significance by thoroughly applying passive safety principles to minimize child intervention. people in case of incidents.

America - a country with strong development of nuclear power.In the picture: The number of dense nuclear power plants in the United States.Source: http://www.solcomhouse.com.

Second, a serious threat of global climate change due to greenhouse effects and environmental pollution caused by CO2 emissions. Nuclear power as a friendly form of energy, plays an indispensable role in the implementation of the Kyoto Protocol because it is a low source of CO2 emissions, equivalent to solar and wind power sources (2-6gam / kwh), less More than fossil fuel electricity comes 40-50 times.

The above factors have contributed to promoting many countries to prioritize the development of nuclear power. Of course, for each country, that choice must also be based on specific needs and abilities.

According to energy planning researchers, after 2020, the demand for electricity in our country will exceed the capacity to meet, despite mobilizing all potentials from the exploited power sources. A general solution including the development of nuclear power in parallel with the import of other forms of energy (grid electricity, coal) is proposed as the most reasonable choice.

Here, please also note that the forecast figures on power shortage, the time of occurrence of nuclear power . must always be adjusted and accurate, taking into account the global economic volatility and declining momentum. GDP growth in the country.

According to energy strategists, nuclear power also meets other national interests in its long-term development strategy. In particular, especially ensuring the harmony and national energy security, contributing to improving the country's scientific and technological potential .

Thus, the development strategy of nuclear power in Vietnam is pursuing is in line with the general trend of the era, and comes from the requirements and situation of the country.

In fact, the issue of nuclear power in our country has been concerned by the Party and the Government for 20-30 years, clearly stated in some Party resolutions. The Politburo instructed: 'Conduct survey, research, prepare conditions to build nuclear power plant after 2015 .'.

Since then, the Government has built the 'General Development Project for Nuclear Power in Vietnam', established the 'Task Force to research and research nuclear power plants in Vietnam'. Congress also adopted 'Nuclear Atomic Energy Law'.

Currently, the 'Report of Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant Investment Project' (according to that, the prospect of our country will have the first nuclear power plant with 4 units of 1000 MW, the first group is expected to be put into operation. in 2020) are in the process of being completed and arranged on the agenda of the Government and the National Assembly.

VN nuclear power: Difficulties and challenges

To turn this prospect into reality must overcome great difficulties and challenges.

For nuclear power, the most important thing is safety. Therefore, ensuring safety for the nuclear power plant must be thoroughly grasped, from the stage of technology selection, design, construction, installation, operation to the dismantling stage when the expiry date, must be done synchronously. in all aspects - nuclear technology, technology and regulation.

A type of safe nuclear furnace.Source: www.nei.org.

In addition, for developing countries, such as our country, the safety culture for the NLU class must be especially respected.

Another difficult and urgent task is now a human resource for building and operating nuclear power plants. Nuclear technology requires all three components: experts, technicians and skilled workers.

Here only talk about human resources directly related to nuclear power (including radiation safety, environmental radiation, non-destructive testing). Until now, due to the lack of centralized guidance and specific plans nationwide, the quantity and quality have not met the requirements for nuclear power.

Therefore, it is necessary to have a comprehensive and specific plan soon, domestic training combined with foreign countries, short-term and long-term training. At the same time with training, it is necessary to advocate the gathering and use of people who have been trained and practically close to the University of Agriculture, still capable of working and dispersing everywhere, at home and abroad.

In particular, special attention should be paid to overseas Vietnamese experts who have been working in nuclear power facilities in Europe, America, Japan, etc. India, South Korea and China have succeeded in policy. this.

In our country, even in extremely difficult years after reunifying the country, responding to the requests and concerns of Vietnam's energy industry leaders, the late Prof. Nguyen Dinh Tu, Tran nuclear scientists Ha Anh, Vu Hai Long, Nguyen Tho Nhan, Nguyen Van Thuong . volunteered to serve the country.

Particularly, Dr. Tran Ha Anh and Dr. Nguyen Tho Nhan were given the task of establishing and managing the Atomic Electric Chamber, the precursor of the Nuclear Power Center under the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology today. That lesson, now, needs to continue and multiply.

Development of nuclear power is a great career, full of difficulties and challenges, which have a great influence on the country's development process. Therefore, this career is unlikely to succeed, without the investment, coordination, direct and decisive direction of the Party and Government through a responsible national steering committee and great power, including managers have real power, competence, bravery and dedication to the future of nuclear power industry.

It is a legitimate and urgent requirement not only in the first phase of the construction of nuclear power plants, but also in the long-term process of implementing the "Strategy for application of energy efficiency for peaceful purposes" in Vietnam. me.