Vietnam learns France's experience in nuclear power plant construction

The French side pledged to share technical guidelines and safety standards, with the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) ready to provide training for Vietnamese specialists.

Deputy Minister of Construction Pham Minh Ha (second from right) and leaders of France’s Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASRN). (Photo: VNA)
Deputy Minister of Construction Pham Minh Ha (second from right) and leaders of France’s Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASRN). (Photo: VNA)

Paris (VNA) – A visiting delegation from the Ministry of Construction led by Deputy Minister Pham Minh Ha held a meeting with the French Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ASNR) on September 15.

The meeting saw the participation of Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang and ASNR Commissioner Stephanie Guenot-Bresson, Deputy General Director Julien Collet, International Cooperation Officer Marilyn Tombette, and leaders of several Vietnamese construction management, training, and research units.

The French side presented an overview of ASNR’s structure and responsibilities, along with the country’s nuclear applications. They also introduced safety standards and technical guidelines applied to nuclear power plant construction.

Deputy Minister Ha expressed interest in France’s processes for building, operating, and licensing nuclear power plants. In response, ASNR explained the three stages of construction approval.

He thanked ASNR for its detailed information and called for support in training and capacity building for Vietnamese officials.

The French side pledged to share technical guidelines and safety standards, with the Institute for Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety (IRSN) ready to provide training for Vietnamese specialists.

Concluding the meeting, Ha reiterated Vietnam’s appreciation for ASNR’s openness and expressed hope for future cooperation.

Formed in 2025 through the merger of the Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and IRSN, ASNR is an independent administrative body regarded as France’s “nuclear safety gatekeeper”, operating under a board of five commissioners appointed by the French President, with headquarters in Paris and 11 regional offices./.

VNA

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