Research on solutions to speed up progress of nuclear power projects

After 17 years of implementation, the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy has revealed shortcomings and limitations in management requirements, is not compatible with a number of newly issued laws, is not suitable with new requirements and standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and has not met or kept up with the rapid development of nuclear science and technology and radiation technology.

The draft Law also mentions many contents from international practice or customs that have not been added to the 2008 Law on Atomic Energy, such as: the issue of establishing a state management agency on radiation and nuclear safety with full duties and powers in accordance with the requirements and model law of the International Atomic Energy Agency; internalizing international treaties and ensuring the implementation of member states' obligations in the field of atomic energy (inspection; security, nuclear inspection; radiation monitoring...)...

Along with that are the contents on establishing specific regulations for specialized inspection activities of radiation and nuclear safety such as inspection principles, authority of inspection agencies, inspectors, inspection contents, handling of overlaps between inspection activities, inspection activities and nuclear inspection activities to meet inspection requirements for radiation and nuclear facilities (nuclear power plants, research nuclear reactor facilities) and international treaties to which Vietnam is a member...

According to the Report, the current Law has revealed limitations and inadequacies due to overlaps in the management functions of ministries and branches related to: authority to appraise nuclear facility designs; granting licenses to process radioactive ores, licenses to test run and officially operate nuclear power plants...

Agreeing with the need to promulgate the Law on Atomic Energy (amended), the members of the National Assembly Standing Committee noted that the draft Law has many important amendments to perfect the legal framework for the management and operation of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors in Vietnam. The new regulations are built towards minimizing administrative procedures, improving the effectiveness of supervision and ensuring radiation safety, nuclear safety and security in accordance with the current legal system and international practices.

According to Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Vu Hong Thanh, it is necessary to develop and promulgate the Law on Atomic Energy (amended) to institutionalize the Party's guidelines and policies and the State's policies on atomic energy, unify with other relevant documents and meet practical requirements; build a legal basis to ensure completeness and comprehensiveness in the system of legal documents on atomic energy, create conditions for sustainable development of atomic energy applications, and contribute to creating new momentum for the country's rapid and sustainable development in the new era.

The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly also suggested that the draft Law should supplement regulations on investment processes and procedures; decentralization and delegation of authority along with special policy mechanisms to accelerate investment progress in nuclear power projects in the coming time, ensuring the implementation of national energy development goals and strategies.

Consider expanding measures to promote socialization

Regarding the content on promoting the development and socialization of atomic energy application stipulated in Article 13 of the draft Law, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Vu Hong Thanh said that this content is necessary to mobilize social resources to participate in research, development and application of atomic energy.

Acknowledging that the draft Law has stipulated strategies, human resource development, promotion measures and socialization in the field of atomic energy, the Vice Chairman of the National Assembly also proposed considering expanding measures to promote socialization in this field to mobilize more participation of people and businesses in the development and application of atomic energy, specifically in the field of education and training to develop high-quality human resources.

The Vice Chairman of the National Assembly also noted that nuclear energy is a new field with high potential risks, so it is necessary to pay attention to two aspects in the socialization of this field: ensuring radiation safety and ensuring information security because this field is closely related to national secret information.

Also concerned about the decentralization of authority to decide on investment policies for nuclear power plant projects, Chairman of the Law and Justice Committee Hoang Thanh Tung said that the big difference in this draft Law compared to the Public Investment Law and the Investment Law is the proposal to assign the Prime Minister the authority to decide on investment policies for nuclear power plant projects, instead of it being under the authority of the National Assembly.

Agreeing that the above proposal is aimed at promoting decentralization and delegation of power, the Chairman of the Committee on Law and Justice also noted that the decision on investment policy for nuclear power projects is very important, has a great impact on the environment, socio-economy, potential risks and nuclear safety... Therefore, the drafting agency needs to clarify: if decentralization is given to the Prime Minister, how will the procedure be faster, more concise or better? Because reality has shown that key national projects that need to be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration and decision on investment policy, if the documents are carefully prepared, will not take much time. The Chairman of the Committee on Law and Justice also suggested careful consideration and a full and thorough report for the National Assembly to consider and decide on this issue.

Source: https://daibieunhandan.vn/tao-co-so-phap-ly-toan-dien-phat-trien-ben-vung-ung-dung-nang-luong-nguyen-tu-post410227.html