ROSATOM helps Vietnam build nuclear energy technology centre

The Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam on the construction of a Centre for Nuclear Energy Science and Technology in Vietnam.

Novovoronezh nuclear power plant of Russia (Source: Sputnik)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM)has signed a memorandum of understanding with Vietnam on the construction of aCentre for Nuclear Energy Science and Technology (CNEST) in Vietnam during therecent Russia visit by President Tran Dai Quang.

The deal is expected to help Vietnam access modern and reliable nucleartechnology from one of the world’s largest nuclear technology providers.

Vietnam and Russia signed an inter-governmental agreement on cooperationin building CNEST in Vietnam in 2011, and inked a framework agreement in 2014.

The centre will have a nuclear reactor designed by Russia, amultifunctional cyclotron, a R&D lab and a technology complex, as well as modernnuclear facilities.

CNEST is expected to be a hub for research and development with the maintask of research and application of nuclear technology for the interest ofsociety. Its nuclear research will also serve various sectors, includingmaterial science, industry, agriculture, health care and other important civilareas. The centre also aims to train human resources for the sector.

Each year, radioactive isotopes produced by the centre are expected tobe used to treat about 10,000 patients suffering cancers and cardiovasculardiseases and other fatal diseases.

They will also be used to diagnose cancer, lung, endocrine and mentaldiseases on about 15,000 patients every year.

At the same time, CNEST will develop advanced technology in analysingunderground water and soil samples, boosting the mining sector.

The nuclear reactor of the centre is set to have a longevity of at least50 years. It will be regularly upgraded during operation, which is expected toincrease its life cycle. The CNEST will also be expanded with additional labsand new facilities.

All equipment of the centre will meet nuclear safety requirements,ensuring that the centre’s operation does not affect the environment orneighbouring countries.

Over the past 50 years, ROSATOM has developed technologies and equipmentfor many centres, with 58 nuclear reactors erected in Russia. The firm installednearly 20 percent of total research nuclear reactors in the world.

ROSATOM has pledged to provide Vietnam with proven technologies whichhave been used in the building of more than 120 nuclear reactors around theglobe.-VNA 

VNA