Safe nuclear power development essential for clean energy frontier: Japanese expert
Vietnam needs to acquire technologies to ensure the safe management of nuclear power plants, and establish an appropriate financial mechanism to secure the substantial initial investment capital for the plan, according to Hisanori Nei, Professor Emeritus of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies of Japan.
Hisanori Nei, Professor Emeritus of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies of Japan (L), provides an assessment of Vietnam's policy on nuclear power development as a stable energy source. (Photo: VNA)
Tokyo (VNA) - Vietnam needs to acquire technologies to ensure the safe management of nuclear power plants, and establish an appropriate financial mechanism to secure the substantial initial investment capital for the plan, according to Hisanori Nei, Professor Emeritus of the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies of Japan.
In an interview granted to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in Japan on December 25, Nei, who is an expert on energy and nuclear safety policy, provided an assessment of Vietnam's policy on nuclear power development as a stable energy source.
He emphasised the importance of ensuring safety in operating nuclear power plants and securing sufficient investment for the scheme, saying that Vietnam can partner with Japan in this field.
The Japanese expert said nuclear energy is essential for achieving the global carbon neutrality goal.
There is an increasing international consensus in global media that suggests there is no alternative but to rely on nuclear energy, especially considering the instability of other renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, he said.
In response to concerns about nuclear safety, Japan has implemented regulations based on international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other organisations, he said, adding that his country has also drawn valuable lessons from the Fukushima disaster, strengthening its electricity supply from external sources.
Nei expressed support for the 2022 report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), which states that nuclear energy is the most cost-effective decarbonisation source among current commercial technologies as the world moves towards achieving carbon neutrality. He stressed that nuclear power offers significant advantages as a clean energy source.
❀ He also stated that nuclear energy not only contributes to Japan's energy supply but also plays a key role in the global energy supply through Japan's nuclear power generation technology and supply chain./.
On November 30, 2024, the 15th National Assembly (NA) passed a resolution on the restart of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project and continued study of the environmental impact of a nuclear power programme in Vietnam.
Vietnam should research the feasibility of applying small modular nuclear reactor technology that the UK is currently working on, according to Dr. Dao Duc Cuong from the mechanical, engineering and energy faculty of the University of Bradford of the UK.
Two Vietnamese professors who are working in the US have offered insights into the potential and challenges of nuclear power development in Vietnam, recommending an approach centred on small-scale nuclear reactors as drawn from international practices.
With the government's strong direction and active participation from businesses and citizens, national digital transformation is deepening, with a focus on building a digital government, economy, and society.
VietNEST (Vietnamese Nurturing Education for Science & Traditions) is a mobile app and digital platform for Vietnamese language learning among overseas children.
The networks bring together universities, research institutes and domestic and foreign businesses. Members will work closely in training, research, and technology transfer by sharing curricula, improving faculty capacity, providing access to laboratories and research facilities, and jointly implementing science and technology projects.
The Better Choice Awards (BCA) 2025 is a key highlight in the lead-up to Vietnam Innovation Day that falls on October 1, an annual event expected to attract hundreds of innovative enterprises, research institutions, investment funds, and startups from both Vietnam and abroad.
The new line serves as a critical backup route, strategically complementing existing submarine cables and enhancing the resilience, proactivity, and security of Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure.
Vietnam is actively yet cautiously preparing for the construction of its first nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan (now the south-central coastal province of Khanh Hoa). The resumption of the programme after years of suspension carries considerable significance for the nation’s development in a new era as it strives to gradually reduce and ultimately phase out coal-fired power to realise the Government’s commitment to Net Zero by 2050.
The government leader reaffirmed Vietnam’s goal of achieving self-reliance in the design, manufacturing, and test of necessary semiconductor chips by no later than 2027.
With the launching of its two-tier local administration model, the city is incorporating technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain to enhance service delivery for citizens and businesses, aligning with the Politburo’s Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in science, technology, innovation, and national digital transformation.
Vietnam has issued many key policies to support semiconductor development, notably the Politburo’s Resolution 57 on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Other initiatives include the Semiconductor Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision to 2050, and the Human Resources Development Programme for the Semiconductor Industry.
Vietnam is no longer just an emerging blockchain market, it is stepping into a leadership role, with global investors, developers, and experts recognising its growing potential to become a leading hub for digital assets in the region.
Taking place on August 1–2, the event features more than 20,000 attendees and over 200 speakers from Vietnam, the h Korea, Singapore, the UAE, Hong Kong (China) and the US.
Dung directed the Ministry of Science and Technology to revise the national startup scheme, ensuring it clearly defines the scope and content, grounded on strong political and legal foundations, international best practices, and well-reasoned arguments for submission to the Government.
The two-day academic forum, themed “Resilience, Sustainability & Digital Transformation in a Changing World: Perspectives from Southeast Asia”, aims to share interdisciplinary research insights, focusing on adaptive capacity, sustainable development, and digital transformation amid evolving global and regional landscapes.
With such a rapid economic growth, Vietnam must diversify energy sources and nuclear power is a rational choice to ensure the national energy security, said Associate Professor Kei Koga from the Nanyang Technological University (Singapore).
Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung emphasised that Vietnam has a clear strategy and ambition in this field, and is rapidly emerging as a central hub and key link in the regional and global semiconductor value chains.
According to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Asia-Pacific Data Centre Investment Landscape report, Vietnam now ranks second in the region for data centre investment returns, with a yield on cost (YoC) of 17.5–18.8%, just behind Singapore’s 21–23%.
Vietnam is taking drastic yet cautious steps in building a culture of nuclear safety and security, with the aim of having its first nuclear power plant operational by the end of 2030 and using this specific energy source effectively and sustainably.
Vietnam’s 5G strategy has been clearly outlined in national digital technology and infrastructure policies. A wide range of solutions is being vigorously implemented to achieve the target of an average internet speed of 100 Mbps by 2025 and full nationwide 5G coverage by 2030.
The visit aimed to assess the new two-tier local government model, preparations for upcoming Party congresses at levels, and implementation of the Politburo’s Conclusion on school construction in border areas.
