Vietnam nuclear power program needs 2,400 workers for revival, shortage feared

Vietnam needs around 2,400 engineers, scientists and other personnel to revive its defunct nuclear program with two plants in Ninh Thuan Province, but officials flag a likely shortage.

A typical nuclear power plant with two reactors requires 600-1,200 personnel, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Ly Quoc Hung, director of the Department of Science and Technology, said at a forum Thursday.

Another 350 people with expertise in nuclear development and regulations are needed, he added.

The National Assembly approved last November revival of the nuclear program eight years after it was scrapped.

Nuclear power is expected to help Vietnam diversify its energy sources, ensure energy security and meet its net zero target by 2050.

But it lacks personnel in terms of both numbers and capability, particularly scientists, according to a report by the Department of Science and Technology.

The number of professors in nuclear science and technology is limited, and the facilities and equipment available for teaching and research are outdated, it said.

When the Ninh Thuan nuclear power project was being considered in 2010, the government planned to produce 2,400 engineers and 350 master’s and doctoral graduates in nuclear power and send 13% of them overseas for training.

While 55 Vietnam Electricity engineers were sent to Russia and Japan for training, most quit the state-owned company or have shifted to other areas after the program was binned in 2016.

Human resources are critical to the success of the program, Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien said.

He emphasized the importance of proactive planning to churn out scientific, technological and technical personnel.

“This is not just about the program but about building a nuclear power ecosystem and technology for the future.”

He has directed relevant agencies to make plans for meeting personnel requirements and creating specialized training programs by the first quarter of 2025.

“The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Education and Training will establish standardized training programs for nuclear power personnel.”