Vietnam closer to first commercial nuclear plant
HANOI - Vietnam has moved one step closer to building its first commercial
nuclear power plant after the government's approval of a recent pre-feasibility
study. According to the study, the plant could begin supplying nuclear-generated
electricity to the national power network as early as 2017.
The report also addressed safety issues for the nuclear power plant, which are
a major concern. Scientists assure the public that current advanced technologies
are safe.
According to studies by the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute and Ministry of
Industry, the plant optimally would have a capacity between 1,200 and 4,000
megawatts. A comparable plant with a 1,000MW capacity would cost between
US$1.5 billion and $2 billion in initial investments.
Officials expect the country that supplies the technology will also provide the
necessary loans to finance the project. Despite the extraordinary investment
requirements, scientists believe the nuclear power plant can compete
successfully with existing electricity plants fired by imported coal.
Experience dictates that, for countries that must import fuel sources to generate
electricity, such as Japan and South Korea, nuclear-generated electricity is
usually the cheapest alternative.
Nuclear energy is not a foreign concept to Vietnam, since the country has
safely and effectively operated a nuclear facility in Da Lat in the Tay Nguyen
(Central Highlands) for the past 20 years, albeit for research purposes.
Currently, scientists are evaluating 20 possible construction locations within the
central coast region, with a heavy focus on safety and economic criteria.
For safety requirements, the designated site should not be earthquake-prone or
in proximity to volcanoes, and must be situated above sea level. In terms of
economics, the facility should be built in close proximity to the national
electricity network and adjacent to localities that consume electricity to
minimize losses in transmittance. Ideally, the site will also be near a seaport, so
materials can be easily transported.
Six locations have been shortlisted so far, including two sites in Quang Binh and
Phu Yen provinces, two in Binh Thuan province, and another two in Ninh
Thuan province.
Vietnam News Agency - May 24, 2002.
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