The Government is an executive agency of National Assembly and is the highest administrative agency of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. Government is subjected to the mechanism of supervision of and reporting to the National Assembly, the Standing Committee of the National Assembly, and President. The Government term is 5 years. The head of the Government is the Prime Minister; under the Prime Minister are the Deputy Prime Ministers, the Ministers and Heads of ministerial-level agencies.

The Government of Vietnam has 18 ministries and 4 ministerial-level agencies. In addition, there are 8 agencies directly under the Government Office.

Vietnam comprises 59 Provinces and 4 Cities directly under the central government. The administrative system of Vietnam includes three levels:

• Province and City directly under the central government;

• District, town or city directly under province; and

• Ward, commune, town directly under district.

FIG 1. Map of Vietnam.

Vietnam is located in the Indochina peninsula, in the Southeast Asia region. Vietnam's territory runs along the east coast of the peninsula. Vietnam has a land border with China (1,281 km), Laos (2,130 km) and Cambodia (1,228 km) and 3,444 km long coastline contiguous to the Gulf of Tonkin, East Sea and Gulf of Thailand.

Vietnam has an area of 331,051 km², including approximately 327,480 km² of land and more than 4,200 km² of marine aquatic internal, with more than 2,800 islands, large and small reefs beaches, near and offshore, including Hoang Sa and Truong Sa islands; The terrain is covered with hills (40%) and mountains full of forests (40%), while the flat land accounts for less than 20%. The North consists of plateaus and the Red River Delta, which covers an area of about 14,862 km²; The central region is a coastal lowland, with plateaus and the Truong Son Mountain Range; and the South has the Mekong River Delta, which covers an area of about 40,604 km². The highest point of Vietnam is 3,143 m at the top of Phan Si Pan, of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range. The area of arable land accounts for 17% of the total land area of Vietnam. Vietnam has many mineral mines on land, natural forests and offshore and gas.

Vietnam climate is tropical monsoon in the South with two seasons (the rainy season, from mid-May to mid-September and the dry season, from mid-October to mid-April) and the monsoon climate in the North with four distinct seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter). Lying along the coast, Vietnam climate is conditioned in part by sea currents and takes many factors of maritime climate. Relative average humidity is 84% throughout the year. Vietnam has annual rainfall from 1200 to 3000 mm, about 1,500 hours to 3,000 hours of sunshine per year and temperatures from 5° C to 37° C. Vietnam always has to prevent storms and flooding, with 5 to 10 storms per year.

As of 31 December 2012, the population of the country is estimated at 88.78 million, of which 67.55% lived in rural areas and 32.45% in urban areas. Major urban centres are Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, whose population and population density are as follow:

• Ha Noi: 7.1 million and 2,122 inhabitants/km²

• Ho Chi Minh City: 7.5 million and 3,577 inhabitants/km².

The country's average population density is 268 inhabitants/km². It varies from one area to another. While the population density is approximately 960 in the northern Red River Delta and 430 in the southern Mekong Delta, the population density is 197 in the Northern Central and Central coastal areas, 120 in the Northern midland and mountain areas, and only 100 in the Central Highlands (all in inhabitants/km²).

TABLE 1. POPULATION INFORMATION

* Latest available data

Source: Vietnam General Statistical Office (http://www.gso.gov.vn)

The GDP per capita increased from US$ 402 in 2000 (at constant 2000 US$) to US$ 1540 at current 2012 US$ (equivalent to US$ 1045 at constant 2000 US$).

Density of economic sectors in 2012: agriculture, forestry & fishing 23%, industry and construction 40%, services 37%.

TABLE 2. GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

* PPP: Purchasing Power Parity

Source: General Statistics Office of Vietnam (www.gso.gov.vn)

Three national economic development scenarios for the period 2010-2030 are developed with GDP average annual growth rates (%), shown in the following table:

TABLE 3. ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

* Solid, Liquid & Gas: Billion TOE; Uranium: Metric tons; Hydro, Renewable: GW

Source: Pre-FS Report on the Ninh Thuan NPP Project, IE, Aug. 2009

TABLE 4. ENERGY STATISTICS

Source: Institute of Energy (IE)

Energy consumption**= total primary supply

*** Solid fuels include total of coal

(*): liquids: include Crude oil

The National Strategy on Energy Development to 2020, with an outlook to 2050, has made the following policies:

a) Policy to ensure national energy security

Give priorities to the implementation of policy to ensure national energy security oriented synchronous development of energy resources; exploitation and economical use of energy resources in the country; reducing dependence on imported petroleum products; reasonable import and export of coal (in the immediate reduction of coal export each year); linkage of energy systems in the region; expanding oil stockpile; combination of energy security and national defense and national security.

b) Policy on energy prices

Energy price policy is considered as one of the breakthrough policies; quickly eliminate monopolies, and subsidies in both production and consumption of energy. Energy prices should be determined in accordance with market mechanisms; the State regulates energy prices through tax policy and other management tools.

c) Investment policies for the development of new and renewable energy sources, bio-fuels, nuclear power

Prioritize the development of new energy, renewable energy, bio-fuels, and nuclear power. Encourage investment into foreign countries to seek out energy sources; make policies to ensure equality between the economic sectors involved in energy development.

d) Policy on energy saving and efficient uses

Policies to encourage energy saving and efficient uses should determine the specific requirements of savings for energy-intensive industries; encourage the use of energy-saving new equipment and technologies.

e) Environmental Protection Policy

Environmental protection policy aims to ensure the implementation of the mining and energy uses with better environmental management; application of advanced reasonable environmental standards.

And some other policies on Organizational restructure of energy sector and Establishment of competitive energy market, Energy Science and technology development, International cooperation, and Energy export and import.

Electricity Policy

• Ensure electricity supply security to socio-economic development;

• Diversifying investment types for development of electricity generation sources and transmission,

• Step by step privatisation of power plants and distribution companies;

• Separate public benefit activities form business activities. While continuing to subsidize to the electricity activities in remote areas;

• Enhance international cooperation and integration;

• Step by step establishment and development of electricity market;

• Study on nuclear power development; and

• Ensure sustainable development and minimize impact to environment

Some Implementation Measures:

Electricity Price

• At present, the Government continues to directly manage electricity price to customers.

• The price has been being gradually adjusted to meet the long-term marginal cost of the system.

Mobilization of investment sources

• Issue domestic and foreign bonds;

• Joint-venture with foreign and domestics companies and businesses;

• Privatisation of power companies;

• Call upon foreign investments: FDI, ODA, loans, etc.

Establish and develop electricity market

• Separate functions of State management from electricity businesses. Electricity businesses only have functions of management on production and carrying on business;

• Establish a Regulatory Body responsible for making decision on electricity price and legal issues related to electricity activities;

• Restructure electricity branch into generation, transmission, and distribution. Step by step commercialise each field.

Decision making process

Decisions for electricity development include strategy, program, master plan, and project. Strategy and program reflect a long-term strategic viewpoint of the Government; master plan makes development planning for a period from 10-15 year (updated every 5 years); project is for concrete construction or extension of electric power plant(s), transmission network, etc.

Before making a decision, the Government assigns a ministry (called assigned ministry) to prepare draft document and send it to relevant ministries and agencies for review, comment and suggestions. Based on the gathered opinions, the assigned ministry will finalize the draft document.

After that, the assigned ministry will submit the final draft document to the Prime Minister. Depending on the document type, the approval will be made by the National Assembly, Government or Prime Minister.

The status of electricity system in Vietnam

By end of 2012, the total installed capacity, including import, is 26,475 MW (increased about 10.41% compared to 2011).

By the end of 2012, 500 kV transmission lines spanned 4,670 km, with a total capacity of transformer stations of 16,050 MVA. The total length of 220 kV transmission lines is 11,449 km, with a total capacity of of 27,901 MVA.

Main organizations

* Government

Is the owner of capital, assets, property of the State and electricity businesses; It decides the price tariff for end-customers; It enacts decisions, decrees, regulations and approves planning and plans for electricity development.

* Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT)

Manages and regulates electricity activities and uses. It directs the implementation of decrees issued by the Government. It enacts specific regulatory documents; and organizes formulation and appraisal of the planning and plans for electricity development.

* General Directorate of Energy

The Energy Department is an agency under the MOIT which functions to assist the MOIT Minister in applying State management of the oil & gas, electricity, new energy and renewable energy industries in accordance with the provisions of law;

* Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam

Electricity Regulatory Authority is an agency under the MOIT, which functions to assist the MOIT Minister with the State management on regulating competitive electricity market activities, to advise the MOIT Minister on making decisions on cost frames of electricity generation, wholesale, transmission, distribution, and other service in the competitive electricity market and license electricity activities;

* Vietnam Electricity (EVN)

EVN is the sole state-owned utility in Vietnam, operating under the management of the MOIT. Under EVN, there are electric power Companies, transmission companies, and A/Es.

* Non-EVN Electricity Generation Companies

At present, there are BOT, IPP, joint-stock electricity power generation and distribution companies. By the end of 2012, total installed capacity of non-EVN electricity generation companies accounted for 40.19% of the total installed electricity capacity of Vietnam.

TABLE 5. ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

(1) Electricity transmission losses are not deducted.

(*): Thermal coal PP

(**): Other and renewable

Source: IE

TABLE 6. ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

(1) Net import / Total energy consumption.

Source: IE

Forecasting electricity demand period 2010 – 2030

According to economic development (GDP growth rate) scenarios, electricity development scenarios for the period from 2011 - 2030 are formulated.

a) The average annual electricity demand growth rates (%)

b) Electricity demands - Base Scenario

c) Installed Capacity Structure (2010-2030) - Base scenario (MW)

Since 1996, studies on sustainable energy development, including taking into consideration the role of nuclear power in the national energy system, have been carried out in Vietnam. Many ministries, organization, universities, and research institutes have been involved in the studies.

During the period 1996-2011, the Government of Vietnam approved and provided financial budgets to the following programme and projects:

• National Programme on Sustainable Energy Development (1996-2000);

• Project on General Study on the Introduction of Nuclear Power into Vietnam (1996-1999);

• Project on Study and Elucidation of the Aspects of Nuclear Power Development in Vietnam (2002-2004);

• Project on Formulation of the Strategy for Atomic Energy Utilization for Peaceful Purposes up to 2020 (approved on the 3 January 2006 by the Prime Minister);

• Project on Pre-Feasibility Study for Construction of the First Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in Vietnam (2002-2004), extended to 2009; and

• Master Plans for National Electricity Development in the period 2011-2020 with vision to 2030 (called Master Plan No. 7).

The Prime Minister and a Deputy Prime Minister lead the preparation for the nuclear power program. All NPP-related issues are reported directly to the Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister or to the Ministers in charge.

Under the direction of the Government, many ministries, organizations, and universities have been involved in the nuclear power development in Vietnam, namely:

• Ministry of Industry and Trade (MOIT), and its subsidiary body: Vietnam Electricity (EVN);

• Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) and its subsidiary bodies: Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM), Vietnam Agency for Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety (VARANS), and Vietnam Atomic Energy Agency (VAEA);

• Ministry of Construction (MOC);

• Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI);

• Ministry of Finance (MOF);

• Ministry of Education and Training (MOET);

• Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE);

• Ministry of Defence (MOD);

• Ministry of Public Security (MOPS);

• Ministry of Information and Communication (MOIC);

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA);

• Ninh Thuan People’s Committee;

In order to direct and manage the implementation of Ninh Thuan 1 & 2 NPP Projects, as well as human resources development, the following organizations have been established:

• State Steering Committee for Ninh Thuan NP Project led by a Deputy Prime Minister (2010);

• National Steering Committee for Project on Training and Developing of Human Resources in the Field of Atomic Energy up to 2020 led by a Deputy Prime Minister (2011); and

• Ninh Thuan NPP Projects Management Board (2011) under the EVN.

The table "STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS" is not applicable.

Not applicable.

Main Decisions

Over the past years the Government of Vietnam has pursued the consistent policies on safe, secure and peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

In January 2006, the Prime Minister decided to launch Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to the year 2020, which determines the objectives and road-map for atomic energy development in Vietnam on both non-power and power applications.

In 2007, the Prime Minister approved Master Plan for Electricity Development up to 2020 and Vision to 2050, which stated that the first NPP would be put into commercial operation by 2020.

In June 2008 Vietnam’s National Assembly approved the Atomic Energy Law; the Law came into force on the 1^st January 2009.

In November 2009, Vietnam's National Assembly approved Government plans to build the first two NPPs.

In December 2009, Vietnam decided to choose Russia as a partner for the Ninh Thuan 1 NPP Project.

In October 2010, Vietnam decided to choose Japan as a partner for the Ninh Thuan 2 NPP Project.

In June 2010, the Prime Minister approved Master Plan for the Implementation of the Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to 2020.

In July 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Oriented Planning for Nuclear Power Development in Vietnam up to 2030.

In July 2011, the Prime Minister approved Master Plan on Electricity Development, period 2011-2020 with vision to 2030. According the Master Plan:

• Ninh Thuan 1 consists of 4 units of 1000 MW each. The construction of the first unit is planned to start by the end of 2014. Units 1 & 2 will be put into operation by2020-2021, while Units 3 & 4 are scheduled for 2024-2025.

• Ninh Thuan 2 consists of 4 units of 1,000 MW each.The construction of the first unit is expected to start by the end of 2015; Units 1 & 2 will be put into operation in 2021-2022while Units 3 & 4 are scheduled for 2026-2027.

• From 2020 to 2027, every year there will be about 1,000 MW of NP added to the national electricity system; 2 units of 1,350 MW each will be added in 2028-2029. By 2030, there will be 10 units with total capacity of 10,700 MW.

• Vietnam’s NP capacity will increase from 1,000 MW (1.5%) in 2020 to 6,000 MW (6.2%) in 2025 and 10,700 MW (7.8%) in 2030.

The first two NPPs, called Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2, are located at Phuoc Dinh and Vinh Hai of Ninh Thuan Province in the Southern Central of Vietnam. The total capacity of the two NPPs is 4,000 MW (2 units of 1,000 MW at each site).

• Type of contract (Turnkey, Split Package, Multi Packages): EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction);

• Application of nuclear power: electricity supply;

• Policy for nuclear fuel cycle:

• The NPPs will use imported nuclear fuel;

• To integrate the contract on nuclear fuel supply in the contract on NPP building;

• To determine long-term nuclear fuel suppliers, especially setting up cooperative relationships with the countries of high uranium reserve, while at the same time, pursue diversification of suppliers to secure nuclear fuel supply.

• To survey and explore Vietnam's uranium reserves in order to determine the capability of nuclear fuel from domestic uranium.

• Strategy for funding long term spent fuel handling and final disposal, waste management and decommissioning: not available.

TABLE 7. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

* Note: Data in the above Table is based on the Pre-FS Report and they are still preliminary data. The final decision on the NPP building plan should be approved by the Vietnam's National Assembly when the Government submit the FS Report.

On 5 March 2002, the Prime Minister signed Decision on Establishment of the Governmental Steering Committee for Pre-FS on the construction of the first NPP in Vietnam. The Committee consists of the Minister of Industry, Vice-Ministers and senior officials from relevant ministries, agencies, and institutions. The Committee had several functions similar to a NEPIO.

As assigned by the Prime MinisterMOIT is responsible for conducting Pre-FS on the first NNPs. The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is responsible for formulating the Vietnam Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy up to 2020, and conducting studies and Elucidation of the Aspects of Nuclear Power Development in Vietnam.

In August 2008, MOST established an inter-agency working group to coordinate the preparation of the Mater Plan’s projects in order for implementing the Atomic Energy Strategy. A MOST Vice-Minister heads the Working Group.

Under the control of the MOIT, EVN is responsible for conducting the Pre-FS and FS and is the investor, owner, and operator of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPPs.

On 4 May 2010, the Prime Minister signed Decision on Establishment of the State Steering Committee for Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project led by a Deputy Prime Minister, with the Minister of Industry and Trade as its Permanent Vice-Head. The State Steering Committee has the following functions and duties:

• To make orientation, strategies for development of NP and other priority areas in each development phase;

• To give guidance and policies on NP development; specific policies on acquiring, owning and developing NPP technologies and nuclear fuel; on the exploitation and uses of uranium; radioactive environmental monitoring and radioactive waste management;

• To direct, supervise, and coordinate activities of the ministries, Ministerial-level and Governmental-level agencies in implementing the NP program;

• To advise the Prime Minister on important issues for NP development.

Generally, EVN will be the investor for the first four NP units. A proposal for financial arrangement for these units is as follows:

• EVN will provide 15-25% of the total investment costs.

• 75-85% of the total investment costs under the export credits with one or several Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) in conjunction with loans from commercial banks and and/or issuing of domestic and international bonds.

• The Government will apply support measures on investing and financing NPP projects, such as loan guarantees and bond issuing; investment for infrastructure development, resettlements

However, in the process of selection of foreign partners of the Ninh Thuan NP Projects, Vietnamese Government put forward 6 criteria/requests, of which selected partner must provide low-interest and preferential loans for the Project.

So far, Russia and Japan have been chosen as partners of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPP projects, respectively. Russia and Japan commited to provide to the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPPs projects with low-interest and preferential loans.

Along with the decision on NPP construction, the Government decided to upgrade and expand its 500 kV and higher electric grid in the Southern Central region, where the first NPPs will be constructed and put into operation in the period 2020-2025.

According to Planning Orientation on Nuclear Power Development in Vietnam up to 2030, 8 potential sites have been preliminarily determined, of which the following two sites for the first NPPs have been selected:

• Ninh Thuan 1 NPP at Phuoc Dinh commune, Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan province;

• Ninh Thuan 2 NPP at Vinh Hai commune, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province.

FIG 2. Sites selected for two first NPPs.

Not currently available.

• EVN is the investor and will be the owner and operator of the Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 NPPs.

• The Institute of Energy (IE) has been working as a consultant.

• Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM) and some others will be Technical Support Organizations (TSOs).

Not applicable.

• Radioactive wastes, including spent fuels, will be stored temporarily for about 30 years on-site.

• In December 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Oriented Planning locations for radioactive waste to 2030 with a vision to 2050.

Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (VINATOM)

VINATOM (its old name is VAEC) operates under MOST control and management. The VINATOM comprises the following institutions:

1. Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute (DNRI);

2. Institute for Nuclear Science and Technology (INST) in Ha Noi;

3. Institute for Technology of Radioactive and Rare Elements (ITRRE) in Ha Noi;

4. Center for Application of Nuclear Technique in Industry (CANTI) in Da Lat

5. Ha Noi Irradiation Center (HIC)

6. Center for Nuclear Technique in Ho Chi Minh City (CNT);

7. Research and Development Center for Radiation Technology (VINAGAMMA) in Ho Chi Minh City;

8. Nuclear Training Center (NTC) in Ha Noi;

9. Non-destructive Evaluation Center (NDE); and

10. Technology Application and Development Company (NEAD).

The functions and duties of the VINATOM

1. Conduct fundamental and applied research on nuclear science and engineering, nuclear reactor technology, nuclear fuel and materials, radiation protection and nuclear safety, and radioactive waste management technology in service of economic development of the country;

2. Develop technology, production and technical services in atomic energy and related fields in service of social and economic development;

3. Study and formulate directions, strategies, planning and plans for atomic energy development in Vietnam, participate in the formulation of law projects and regulatory documents in relation to atomic energy, and in the implementation of nuclear policies approved by the Government;

4. Perform international cooperation in the field of atomic energy, and participate in the implementation of international treaties pledged by Vietnam;

5. Provide technical support to the State management body on radiation protection and nuclear safety in the appraisal of radiation protection and nuclear safety, carry out radioactive environment monitoring, calibrate radiation facilities and dosimeters, develop technical infrastructures in the preparedness and response to radiological and nuclear incidents and accidents; and

6. Participate in the planning and training of scientific and technical professionals in the field of atomic energy.

In addition, some R&D institutions have been involved in the study on nuclear power development in Vietnam, such as Institute of Energy (IE) and National Research Institute of Mechanical Engineering (NARIME) (under MOIT), the Institute of Energy Science (IES) (under Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology - VAST) among others.

Not applicable.

There are co-operative relationships with several foreign R&D institutions, such as JAEA, JNES (Japan), CEA, IRSN (France), KAERI, KIRAM, KIGAM (Korea), JINR (Russia), and Risk Engineering (Bulgaria).

In August 2010, the Prime Minister approved the Master Plan on Training and Developing of Human Resources in the Field of Atomic Energy from now until 2020 with a total budget of VND 3 trillion ( equivalent to US$ 200 million). In 2011, the State Steering Committee for direction to implement the Project was established and led by a Deputy Prime Minister, with the Minister of Education and Training as its Permanent Vice-Head.

The Master Plan’s overall objective is:

Human resources training in the field of atomic energy must ensure the quantity and quality to meet needs for the nuclear power development programme, requirements for safe and secure development and uses of nuclear energy in the socio-economic fields and to strengthen national science and technology potential.

The Master Plan’s specific objectives are:

a) During the period 2010 - 2015

• To plan, invest for upgrading the system of higher education institutions, professional training centers to meet the human resources needs in the field of atomic energy, with the initial focus on 5 universities: Hanoi University of Natural Sciences (Hanoi National University), Ho Chi Minh City University of Natural Sciences (Ho Chi Minh City National University), Hanoi University of Technology, Da lat University, University of Electric Power, and Nuclear Training Centre under the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute (Ministry of Science and Technology );

• To reform and improve curricula, course books for specialized training in the field of atomic energy in the direction of advanced, modern theories linked with experiments, school linked with research and application;

• To accomplish training and retraining, updating knowledge, improving capacities on management, policy making and legislation, safety assessment and appraisement for nuclear power project management organizations and nuclear regulatory body;

• To reform the mechanisms and policies for excellent graduates and undergraduates studying majors in the field of atomic energy, aimed at enhancing the enrolment qualities. To ensure enrolment targets of 250 students per year nationwide in the field of atomic energy at universities.

b) By 2020

To have trained sufficient, qualified human resources to serve management, application and ensuring safety and security in the field of atomic energy, to be able to receive technology transfer, to operate and maintain nuclear power plants, and gradually implement localization and self-reliance of technology, namely:

• Manpower for NPPs: to have trained 240 engineers, 35 masters and PhDs each year, of which 20 engineers, 15 masters and PhDs will have been trained abroad. By 2020, to have trained 2,400 engineers, 350 masters and PhDs specialized in nuclear power, of which 200 engineers, 150 masters and PhDs will have been trained abroad;

• Manpower for research, application and ensuring safety and security in the field of atomic energy: training 65 engineers, 35 masters and PhDs each year, of which 30 engineers, 17 masters, PhDs will have been trained abroad. By 2020, to have trained 650 engineers, 250 masters and PhDs specialized in management, application, and ensuring safety and security in the field of atomic energy, of which 150 engineers, 100 masters and PhDs will have been trained abroad.

• Manpower for education and training: training 100 masters and PhDs to teach at the educational and training institutions;

• Dispatch to advanced atomic energy countries 500 managers and scientists to survey, study and participate in training courses, short-term practice for enhancing their speciality and professional knowledge.

Vietnamese Government attaches great importance to public communication on the programme for nuclear power development in Vietnam, especially after the Fukushima accident.

On 28 February 2013, the Prime Minister signed a decision on the implementation of the National Project on Public Relation and Communication on Nuclear Power Development in Vietnam to 2010, with total budget of VND 250 billion.

The general objectives are raising awareness and fully and correctly understanding of social classes and relevant organizations about the nature, characteristics, and the need for and benefits of nuclear power to ensure energy security, socioeconomic development of the country and the need for requirements to ensure safety, security Furthermore, and the need to contribute to maintaining and improving consensus and supports of the public for the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project is emphasized.

The main tasks of the Project:

• To implement the Program on information and communication on nuclear power development;

• To implement the Program on dissemination of basic knowledge on atomic energy and nuclear power in general education; and

• To establish centres for public relation and communication on nuclear power development.

The Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety (VARANS) was established in 2004. VARANS is under the MOST and assists the MOST's Minister in exercising the state management of radiation protection and nuclear safety.

The functions and duties of VARANS

1. To organize and participate in the formulation of legislative documents, codes of practice, procedures and regulations for radiation and nuclear safety & control, to participate in the building of standards on radiation and nuclear safety, specific regulations and policies for those who work directly with radiation;

2. To make and then submit to the Minister policies, development orientation, priorities, programs, annual and 5-year plans on radiation and nuclear safety & control, and to organize and implement approved plans;

3. To organize and implement the notification, registration, license, renewal, amendment and withdrawal of licenses for radiation and nuclear establishments, radioactive sources, radiation personnel and works related to radiation and nuclear facilities, to organize the assessment of sites, designs, construction, and justifications for ensuring the radiation and nuclear safety and the security of radiation and nuclear establishments;

4. To guide and direct the Local Departments of Science & Technology on radiation and nuclear safety & control; to co-ordinate with Ministries and branches to perform the State management on the radiation and nuclear safety & control under the MOST’s direction;

5. To conduct regulatory inspections on radiation and nuclear safety according to law; to resolve complaints, denunciations; to deal with violations of regulations on radiation safety and control according to law;

6. To perform the State management of radioactive wastes; to organize radiation environment monitoring, to develop emergency response and handling for radiation and nuclear incidents; to control radiation doses and assess the safety of occupational, public and medical exposure;

7. To organize activities of safeguard;

8. To establish a record system of data and information on radiation and nuclear safety;

9. To organize research for applying scientific and technological advances in the field of radiation safety & control;

10. To co-organize training courses, publicity and dissemination programs on legislation, radiation & nuclear safety and safety culture;

11. To organize and develop international cooperation activities in radiation and nuclear safety as assigned by the Ministry; to participate in the implementation of the international treaties and other international agreements on radiation and nuclear safety;

12. To perform other duties assigned by the Minister of Science and Technology; to manage cadres, assets, files and documents of the Agency according to the ministry arrangement and regulation.

In addition, the Electricity Regulatory Authority of Vietnam and Agency for Safety Techniques and Industrial Environment (under MOIT), and some agencies under other Ministries (e.g. Ministry of Natural Resource and Environment) participate in the licensing process.

VARANS issues or proposes the MOST to issue licenses for all activities related to radiation, including import and export of radiation sources, radiation works, and radiation facilities. Every year inspections are carried out for some radiation organizations.

Regarding NPP projects, in accordance with Vietnam’s Atomic Law, the Prime Minister approves the NPP’s sites, the MOST’s Minister will issue licences for NPP construction, the MOIT’s Minister will issue licences for NPP commissioning and operation, the MOC’s Minister will issue licences to foreign investors to participate in the NPP projects.

1. Ordinance on Radiation Safety & Control (ORSC) was passed on June 25th, 1996 by the Standing Committee of the National Assembly of the Socialist Republics of Vietnam and went into effect on the 1st January 1997.

2. Decree on the Detailed Directions for implementing of ORSC was enacted on July 16th, 1998 by the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republics of Vietnam and went into effect on the 1st August 1998.

3. Decree No. 51/2006/NÐ-CP dated May 19, 2006 stipulating regulations on sanctioning against administrative violation in radiation safety and control

4. Decree No. 87/2006/NÐ-CP regulating the inspection organization and operation of the Ministry of Science and Technology

5. Regulations No. 115/2007/QÐ-TTg dated July 23, 2007 on ensuring the security of radioactive sources

6. Regulations No. 146/2007/QD-TTg dated September 04, 2007 for the recovery and handling of orphan radioactive sources

7. Joint Circular No. 2237/1999/TTLT/BKHCNMT-BYT between MOSTE and MOH on Guidelines in implementation of radiation safety in medical exposure was enacted on 28 December 1999.

8. Decree on the penalty for violations of regulations on radiation safety and control was enacted on May, 2001 by the Prime Minister of the Socialist Republics of Vietnam.

9. Circular No. 14/2003/TT-BKHCN dated July 11, 2003 guiding radiation transportation safety

10. Circular No. 05/2006/TT-BKHCN dated January 11, 2006 guiding the procedures of notification, registration and license issuance to radiation activities

11. Circular No. 10/2006/TT-BKHCN dated March 17, 2006 guiding specialized inspection on radiation safety and control

12. Decision No. 38/2006/QD-BTC dated July 24, 2006: Regulation of fees and charges for radiation safety assessment and verification

13. Decision No 3616/2004/QÐ-BYT dated 4 October 2004 on the issuance of the Regulations on the safety and sanitation of food preserved by irradiation

14. Document No. 1092/2002/BKHCNMT-ATBX dated May 2, 2002 provisionally regulating license application and conditions for the use of X-ray medical devices

15. Directive No. 13/2006/CT-BKHCN dated June 07, 2006 on the enhancement of State administration of radiation safety and security

16. Decision No. 17/2007/QÐ-BKHCN dated August 31, 2007 on the issuance of radioactive sources separation complying with security requirements

17. Decision No. 32 /2007/QÐ-BKHCN enacting the regulation on examining medical diagnosis X-ray machines

18. The Atomic Energy Law was approved by Vietnam National Assembly on the 3rd June 2008, comes into force on the 1st January 2009 and replaces the Ordinance on Radiation Safety & Control (ORSC)

19. Decree No. 07/2010/NÐ-CP dated January 25, 2010 on guidance for the implementation of several provisions of the Atomic Energy Law

20. Decree No. 70/2010/NÐ-CP dated June 22, 2010 on detailed regulation and guidance for the implementation of several provision of the Atomic Energy Law on nuclear power plants.

21. Decision No. 45/2010/QÐ-TTg dated June 14, 2010 enacting the Regulation on the activities of nuclear control

22. Decision No. 1636/2010/QÐ-TTg dated August 31, 2010 approving the environmental radioactive monitoring and warning network planning

23. Decision No. 450/2011/QÐ-TTg dated March 25, 2011 approving the Project on the deployment of measures ensuring security in the field of atomic energy

24. Circular No. 08/2010/TT-BKHCN dated October 22, 2010 guiding notification, licensing for radiation practices, including export and import of radioactive sources, nuclear materials, source materials, and nuclear equipment.

25. Circular No. 23/2010/TT-BKHCN dated December 29, 2010 on Ensuring Security for Radioactive Sources;

26. Circular No.24/2010/TT-BKHCN dated December 29, 2010 on Issuance of National Technical Regulation QCVN 6/2010-BKHCN on Radiation Protection – Categorization and Classification of Radioactive Sources;

27. Circular No.02/2011/TT-BKHCN dated March 16, 2011 on Safeguards implementation;

28. Circular No. 38/2011/TT-BKHCN dated 30 Dec 2011 on requirements on physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities.

None.

Vietnam became a Member State of the IAEA in June 1978and has been receiving the Agency's valuable assistances in many areas, contributing to the research, development and peaceful, safe and secure uses of nuclear energy.

The IAEA's assistances have been covering many nuclear power-related aspects, such as energy and electricity planning, nuclear safety and security, development of legislative system, etc. through providing equipment, materials, experts and man-power training

In 1987, Vietnam received a WASP-III version for PC. In the same year, IAEA approved TC Project "Computer Center for Reactor Physics (VIE/4/006)“. WASP was installed in the PC Center. Vietnamese researchers and energy planners carried out their energy/electricity planning studies by using WASP at this Center.

From 1987, especially since 1996 many Vietnamese staff participated in the IAEA training courses in WASP energy planning and many IAEA expert missions were dispatched to Vietnam.

In 1997, the IAEA approved TC project "Pre-Feasibility Study for Introduction of Nuclear Power in Vietnam (VIE/0/009)". In order for implementation of the project, two Vietnamese working teams were set up, one for energy planning and economic study, the other for reactor technology, safety, etc. All energy-related institutes and universities participated in and benefited from the project.

Since 2000, Vietnam has participated in the following energy-related regional projects: RAS/0/033: Role of Nuclear Power and Other Energy Options in Mitigating Green House Gas (GHG) Emissions; RAS/0/038: Role of Nuclear Power and Other Energy Options in Competitive Electricity Market; RAS/0/041: Tracing Future Sustainable Path through Nuclear and Other Energy Options; RAS/0/045: Formulation of Sustainable Energy Development strategies in the Context of Climate Change, RAS/2/016: Supporting Decision Making for Nuclear Power Planning and Development In addition, Vietnam became an INPRO member in 2012.

In order to meet Vietnam’s requirements on support for consideration of launching nuclear power project, IAEA focused its supports in assisting Vietnam to solve problems occurring in nuclear power development through the IAEA experts’ review and assessment of not only energy planning and economy, but also other issues as suggested in the IAEA Publication: Milestone in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power (IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1) aimed to carry out studies on national infrastructure development for nuclear power. For the Cycle 2009-2011, among 7 national TC projects (VIE) there are 03 TC Projects directly related to nuclear power development VIE/9/011 on “Improving the Capability for Site Characterization and Evaluation of New Nuclear Installations”, VIE/9/013 on “Strengthening the Technical Capacity of the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Regulatory Body”, VIE/4/015 on “Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure”. During the Cycle 2012-2013: 05 TC Projects related to nuclear energy, including VIE4015 “Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure” extended to the end of 2012 (Total 867,793.91 Euro). 2009-2012 and VIE2010 “Developing Nuclear Power Infrastructure” - Phase II (399,591 Euro). The second INIR mission has visited Vietnam on December 2012.

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