Hanoi (VNA) - The National Assembly (NA) listened to a proposal and a verification report on specific mechanisms for building nuclear power plants in the south-central province of Ninh Thuan at the 9th extraordinary session on February 14.
Presenting the proposal, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien laid stress on the exceptional significance of the project while noting that nuclear power technology remains in the possession of very few nations. Given the project’s complexity and substantial investment needs, Dien underscored the need for specific and strong enough mechanisms and policies to accelerate progress and reduce the implementation duration.
Among the key proposals is the implementation of a turnkey contract approach and direct contractor appointment for the main plant construction through intergovernmental agreements. The Government also recommended applying direct contractor appointment or simplified appointment procedures for important consulting packages. Besides, various preparatory activities such as feasibility studies, technical design, and mine clearance should be executed at the same time with negotiations for agreements and contracts.
Regarding financial arrangements, the proposal outlined multiple funding sources, including taking government loans from partners, allowing investors to borrow without credit risks, and utilising increased revenue and budget savings. Meanwhile, the state budget should be allocated for resident relocation and resettlement projects, Dien stressed.
The proposal introduced certain mechanisms for applying technical standards, norms, and unit prices, with investors to be exempt from reporting to the owner's representative body for approval of investment projects and capital mobilisation plans. It also includes mechanisms and policies for Ninh Thuan to carry out compensation, resettlement, and infrastructure development for nuclear power plant construction; construction material supply assurance; and social welfare guarantees for residents in the project area.
Furthermore, the Government also suggested procedures for approving the conversion of forest land for project-related purposes and component projects, along with a mechanisms for environmental impact assessment consultation, among others.
Dien noted that those specific mechanisms and policies are critically important to speeding up the project, helping ensure national energy security and meet power demand of socio-economic development in the new era.
Presenting the verification report, Chairman of the NA’s Committee on Science, Technology and Environment Le Quang Huy said the committee agrees on the necessity to issue some specific mechanisms and policies to expedite the project, yet called for clearer political, legal, and practical grounds for the urgent issuance of these policies.
The committee raised concerns about the turnkey contract approach, which could limit competition and transparency, Huy said, adding clearer regulations regarding criteria for contractor selection along with technology and maintenance commitments should be penned.
Besides, the committee emphasised the need for strict regulations on borrowing limits, interest rates, debt repayment terms, and other related conditions. They recommended implementing robust mechanisms to control loan utilisation and ensure effectiveness.
It advised seeking opinions from competent authorities on related policies and mechanisms as prescribed by law and suggested the NA consider and decide to issue a resolution on several specific mechanisms and policies for developing the nuclear power plants./.
