Hanoi, January 2, 2025 – The Europe Today: As Vietnam moves towards reviving the Ninh Thuận nuclear power project, experts have emphasized the critical importance of developing a skilled workforce, establishing a robust legal framework, and enhancing nuclear safety and technological capacities.
Building Expertise for a High-Stakes Sector
Nuclear power requires specialized scientific and technical expertise across all stages, from design and infrastructure development to operational and regulatory management. A World Nuclear Association study highlights that operating a nuclear reactor requires 400–700 full-time personnel, and preparing a nuclear power plant can take 12–15 years.
Associate Professor Nguyễn Xuân Hải, of the Nuclear Research Institute under the Việt Nam Atomic Energy Institute, noted that between 2010 and 2015, over 400 Vietnamese students and engineers were trained abroad to support the Ninh Thuận project. However, after its suspension in 2016, many transitioned to other fields, creating a significant gap in expertise, particularly in areas such as nuclear reactors, materials, and accelerators.
Dr Trần Chí Thành, Director of the Việt Nam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), identified human resources as the linchpin for restarting Ninh Thuận and other major energy projects. Despite the sector’s complexity and relatively low compensation, efforts are underway to reinvigorate training and attract talent.
Strategies to Address Talent Shortages
To address the shortage, Dr Trần proposed:
- Incentives for Talent: Offering scholarships and mechanisms to encourage previously trained professionals to return to the sector.
- Comprehensive Training: Consolidating the existing workforce, classifying candidates for long- and short-term training, and fostering collaborations with international institutions.
- State Steering Committee: Establishing a dedicated body of nuclear energy managers to oversee the project’s progress and ensure technical and safety standards.
International Collaboration: A Cornerstone
Strengthening international partnerships remains pivotal for Vietnam’s nuclear ambitions. On December 20, Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyễn Hồng Diên met with Japanese enterprises to advance cooperation in nuclear power. During the meeting, Vietnam Electricity University and Nagaoka University of Technology signed an MoU to enhance nuclear power human resources.
Japan’s Mitsubishi, Hitachi, and JINED corporations have expressed their readiness to transfer expertise to Vietnam, while Russia has reaffirmed its commitment, with over 300 Vietnamese professionals already trained in the country.
Safety and Sustainability at the Forefront
Experts stress that nuclear regulatory expertise is vital. Training programs must provide practical experience at foreign nuclear plants to ensure proficiency in safety and risk management. A national research program is also needed to address technological challenges and cultivate top-tier specialists.
Future Prospects
If implemented effectively, the Ninh Thuận nuclear power project has the potential to address Việt Nam’s growing energy demands while positioning the country as a key player on the global energy map. With the concerted efforts of the Party, the State, and the nuclear sector, Vietnam aims to achieve its vision of sustainable and secure nuclear energy development.
This marks a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s energy journey, showcasing its commitment to leveraging domestic and international resources for a sustainable future.
