A convincing list of arguments persuaded Vietnam to change its mind. Vietnam had been planning to build 14 nuclear reactors, with the first provided by Russia. But on November 22, 2016 the country abruptly canceled its nuclear energy plans. This occurred shortly after an international delegation visited officials and presented them with the “road map” below. Originally titled, Nuclear Power in Vietnam: challenges and alternatives, this article was based on scientific information, experiences from Germany, Japan and South Africa, and two workshops on “Nuclear power development in Vietnam and worldwide”, organized in Hanoi in early October 2016. This is a deterrence road map that every country considering a nuclear power program should read. The full list of authors can be found at the end of the article. Although Vietnam has now signed a “framework agreement” with India that includes nuclear energy, this appears to be for a “research reactor.” Commercial nuclear power for electricity remains unlikely.
Beyond Nuclear 23rd July 2018 read more »
