Vietnam’s first nuclear power project may start in 2013

Electricity of Vietnam Group (EVN) and its Russian partner, Rosatom Group, will sign a cooperation agreement on construction of Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant 1 during Russian President Dmitry Medvedev’s visit to Vietnam in late October 2010.

Phan Minh Tuan, chief of EVN’s preparation committee for Ninh Thuan nuclear power and renewable projects, confirmed that EVN has finalized formalities for approval of the construction site for the Ninh Thuan plant and is working on the feasibility research report.

EVN and Rosatom are negotiating the technology, design and package price. If the two sides reach an agreement, the project will be kicked off in 36 months.

During a visit to Vietnam by the Russian President this October, the two sides will sign an agreement to cooperate, during which building the plant will be mentioned.

Ninh Thuan authorities recently proposed that the Government relocate the second nuclear power plant from the north to the south of the province. They argued that if two nuclear power plants are built in both areas, it would be difficult to develop tourism.

The National Assembly has approved the construction of two nuclear power plants in Ninh Thuan province, totaling 4,000 MW in capacity.

The first plant, Ninh Thuan 1, will be built in 2014. The first turbine will be put into operation in 2020. The total investment for this project is around 200 trillion ($10.5 billion).

However, if EVN and Rosatom reach agreement early, the construction may start in late 2013. – Vietnamnet

Tags: Vietnam energy, Vietnam nuclear power project