Nuclear power lecturers and students have gathered at a seminar in Hanoi to discuss light water reactor (VVER) technology as well as post-Fukushima experience and assessments.

The December 21 event, co-organised by the Electric Power University and Russia’s Rosatom State Energy Corporation, provided an opportunity for Vietnam ’s future nuclear energy experts to access modern knowledge, especially the safety in nuclear power plant operation.

Dr. Alexander Khrobostov from Russia ’s Nizhny Norgorod Technical University talked about the modern trend in building nuclear power plants and Russian advances in nuclear power safety technology following the incident at Japan ’s Fukushima Daiichi reactor two years ago.

He also answered students’ questions on waste treatment, VVER technology and nuclear safety principles.

At present, six universities and institutes nationwide are offering nuclear technology training. Some 160 students have been sent to Russia and several countries for short-term, master and PhD courses during 2012-13.

In addition to theory, the learners will take at least 1-3 years for practice before working officially at reactors, Alexander affirmed.

Under an approved national energy master plan, Vietnam ’s first nuclear power plant will be put into operation by 2020.

The country’s nuclear power capacity is expected to reach 10,700 MW by 2030, making up 10 percent of the national power output.-VNA