The National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering proposes the development of a research program for the domestic design and manufacture of nuclear power plant equipment, to be chaired by the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Early investment in human resource development

Speaking at the conference on developing science and technology human resources for the nuclear power program on January 2, Dr. Phan Dang Phong, Director of the National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (NARIME), stated that in implementing the Government's nuclear power development program and under the assignment of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, NARIME has made early investments in developing human resources for this program.

Specifically, since 2011, the Institute has sent 14 engineers with strong professional qualifications and foreign language skills to participate in a master's training program in nuclear power at the KINGS (Korea International Nuclear Graduate School) in South Korea. These master's graduates have effectively utilized their expertise in professional skills, foreign languages, and industrial project management. Among them, three have been appointed as heads of specialized Centers, overseeing major projects of the Institute.

In addition to the graduates from KINGS, the Institute has many other engineers and masters with strong expertise and foreign language skills, ready to participate in the national nuclear power development program. NARIME has also deployed numerous engineers and scientists to undertake tasks supporting the nuclear power program domestically.

Specifically, during the 2006-2008 period, NARIME and the Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) collaborated to study the localization of nuclear power plant equipment under a Memorandum of Understanding signed on November 18, 2006, between the Ministry of Industry (now the Ministry of Industry and Trade) and the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Energy of Korea (now the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy).

From 2013 to 2015, NARIME sent personnel to collaborate with Japanese companies and LILAMA Corporation to conduct research on localizing equipment for nuclear power plants in Vietnam, particularly for the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project.

Notably, on August 27, 2012, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Official Dispatch No. 7984/BCT-TCNL, assigning NARIME to develop a plan for the development of the nuclear power industry. This plan includes: organizational and implementation models; identifying the capacity of domestic consulting units and industries to participate in the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project; proposing a roadmap to increase the participation rate of domestic enterprises in the nuclear power project; and proposing implementation mechanisms. NARIME has since developed and submitted this plan to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

During the 2013-2015 period, NARIME scientists participated in the research project "Study on a Small Power, Non-Refueling Fixed Bed Nuclear Reactor (FBNR) and the Feasibility of its Development and Construction in Vietnam," which was part of the KC.05/11-15 National Science and Technology Program, led by the Electric Power University.

Moving towards localization of nuclear power plant equipment

In 2013, NARIME signed a contract with the Institute of Energy to carry out the task "Assessing the capacity of domestic organizations to participate in the construction of nuclear power plants." NARIME was responsible for researching and reporting on the manufacturing and supply capabilities for electrical and mechanical equipment, installation capabilities, construction capabilities, and the capacity for transporting and receiving materials and equipment within Vietnam for the Ninh Thuan 1 Nuclear Power Plant project.

Conference on developing science and technology human resources for the nuclear power program

"Based on our research with domestic and international partners, Vietnam can localize at least 30% of the value, including the construction portion, for nuclear power plants," said Dr. Phan Dang Phong.

Drawing on the Institute's human resources and experience in the nuclear power development program, the Director of NARIME put forward three recommendations to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

First, the Ministry should develop a research program for the development of nuclear power equipment, comprising a portfolio of scientific and technological projects. The successful completion of these projects will pave the way for the complete localization of nuclear power plants.

Second, to facilitate the Institute's continued participation in projects, programs, and the development of policy mechanisms for nuclear power, aiming at the localization of nuclear power plant equipment.

Third, to create conditions for the Institute's engineers and master's graduates to participate in training programs organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade, as well as national and international programs, to enhance human resource capacity, preparing them for localization, maintenance, and repair of nuclear power plant equipment.

Dr. Phan Dang Phong emphasized that human resources are the key to the success of the national nuclear power program. Therefore, developing a highly qualified workforce in both quantity and quality is essential. He stated, "Universities need to strengthen cooperation and partnerships in training to enhance the quality of human resources for nuclear power projects."

As of now, nuclear power plants worldwide provide approximately 375,320 MW of electricity. Countries continue to develop this energy source using advanced technologies, ensuring the highest levels of safety and security.

On November 30, 2024, the National Assembly passed a resolution at the 8th Session of the 15th National Assembly, approving the continuation of investment in the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project after an 8-year suspension. With this decision, Vietnam is positioning itself on the global nuclear power map.

Related article: https://media.congthuong.vn/ong-phan-dang-phong-viet-nam-co-the-noi-dia-hoa-30-gia-tri-xay-dung-nha-may-dien-hat-nhan-13384.media?gidzl=pKwvGcJb7MV2KBr0RluKPiPHi4Tt_qGotm7d5d2eH3AE0BD19_uqqbZk4JYVcv4GOEGUP0

Source: Cong Thuong Newspaper