A seminar on Vietnam’s two major power projects, Ninh Thuan nuclear power plant and Lai Chau hydroelectric power plant, was held in Hanoi on November 20.

Participants at the seminar were leaders of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, the Electricity of Vietnam (EVN) and the Lai Chau provincial People’s Committee.

A representative from the Lai Chau provincial People’ Committee said that the Lai Chau Hydroelectric Power Plant not only plays an important role in providing electricity and water for the Red River Delta in particular and the country in general but also contributes to socio-economic development in the two mountainous provinces of Lai Chau and Dien Bien, ensuring security and defence in the northewestern region.

Talking about the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project, the participants emphasised the necessity for building the plant, saying it will help east the country’s electricity shortage.

According to the EVN, Vietnam’s demand for energy is forecast to sharply increase in the coming time. Therefore, a combination of the economical use of local energy sources, reasonable imports of electricity, coal and gas and building nuclear power plants is the best solution for the country, he added.

Several related issues such as resettlement, human resources, infrastructure, nuclear safety and environmental protection were also discussed at the seminar./.