Vietnam considers nuclear power to ensure net-zero 2050 target

Vietnam is not in the process of developing nuclear power at present, but will study and consider it as a solution to ensure the net-zero emissions target is met by 2050 while maintaining energy security, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.

The government head made the statement at a Wednesday meeting with A.E.Likhachev, director general of Russia's Rosatom State Atomiс Energy Corporation, ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Vietnam.

Vietnam is seeking continuous cooperation with Russia in all fields, including nuclear power for peaceful purposes, Chinh added.

Vietnam appreciates Russia and the former Soviet Union for training nuclear energy experts and designing and building the Dalat Nuclear Reactor (in Vietnam’s Central Highlands province of Lam Dong). The cooperation plays a key role in Vietnam’s socioeconomic development, especially in supply of radiopharmaceuticals for healthcare tasks.

Chinh proposed the two nations continue long-term nuclear science cooperation to serve peaceful purposes, such as energy security, industrial production, agriculture, healthcare, and transportation.

He suggested Russia and Rosatom continue to help Vietnam train a nuclear science workforce, prolonging the operation of the Dalat Nuclear Reactor by 8-10 more years, and progressing the construction of a nuclear science and technology research center in the southern province of Dong Nai.

The Prime Minister also lauded Rosatom’s suggestion to build a radio pharmacy center and collaborate in wind power, requesting relevant Vietnamese agencies to work on details of the cooperation.

In reply, A.E.Likhachev said Rosatom would boost cooperation with Vietnam, especially in nuclear science for electricity, healthcare, and transportation, and other fields such as wind power.