Minister-Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at the press conference to announce official cancellation of the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project, Ha Noi, November 22, 2016. Photo: VGP

The Minister-Chairman made the statement on Tuesday at the press conference to announce the official cancellation of the project.

Both Russia and Japan have expressed their sympathies with the Vietnamese Government’s decision while committing continued support for Viet Nam to develop infrastructure, according to Mr. Dung.

The Vietnamese Government also conveyed thanks to direct partners like ROSATOM (Russia) and JINED (Japan) for their effective cooperation in the preparation process.

Mr. Dung affirmed that the cancellation of the project will not affect Viet Nam-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and the Viet Nam-Japan Extensive Strategic Partnership.

The Vietnamese Government has agreed with the Russian and Japanese Governments to task competent agencies to discuss ways to use the outcomes of the project preparation process, according to the Minister-Chairman.

Viet Nam regards Russia and Japan as its top and priority partners for possible future nuclear power projects, Mr. Dung reiterated.

The Government Spokesman said Viet Nam will continue discussing with the Governments of Russia and Japan on implementing infrastructure, economic and trade projects among others in accordance with the Southeast Asian country’s Strategy for socio-economic development.

Careful decision

The decision to stop the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project was made following thorough and careful considerations of the Party Central Committee, National Assembly and Government to ensure the country’s sustainable development, Minister-Chairman Mai Tien Dung said.

The cancelled project will not affect the national electricity security as the country can exploit other alternatives such as coal and renewable energies.

From now to 2030, the Government will mull over investing in coal power plants using advanced and environmentally-friendly technologies and gas turbine power plants with a capacity of around 6,000 MW.

After 2030, the Government will continue considering proper utilization of coal and gas power sources, acceleration of renewable energy development and power saving measures, and enhancement of power grid connection and power exchanges with neighboring countries./.