Vietnam to Enhance Oversight of Radiation Safety, Nuclear Safety, and Security

Revised Article: Atomic Energy Amendments on the Agenda of National Assembly's Ninth Session

Vietnam to Enhance Oversight of Radiation Safety, Nuclear Safety, and Security

Hanoi - Monday afternoon saw the National Assembly delve into the presentation and review report of a revised draft law on Atomic Energy, as the 15th tenure parliament carried on with its ninth session.

Speaking on behalf of the Government, Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long introduced the draft amended Law on Atomic Energy as a means to institute the Party's guidelines and policies, the state's atomic energy policies, and to harmonize with other relevant documents, addressing practical requirements [1][3][4].

The goal is to establish a legal groundwork for a comprehensive, effective management of radiation and nuclear safety, enhancing security, while promoting the sustainable development of atomic energy applications, fulfilling Vietnam's international obligations, and bolstering international cooperation [3].

The law will apply to domestic organizations, individuals, Vietnam-based foreign organizations and individuals, foreign organizations and individuals, and international organizations engaged in activities within Vietnam's atomic energy sector [3].

Based on the Government's Resolution 240/NQ-CP issued on December 17, 2024, the draft amended Law on Atomic Energy follows four key policies and consists of 12 chapters and 73 articles [1].

Proposal

During a review of the draft law, Chairman of the NA's Committee on Science, Technology, and Environment, Lê Quang Huy, expressed his approval of the law's name and the scope of regulation. He suggested adding more detail to the scope of regulation on nuclear inspection [1].

Regarding the nuclear regulatory agency (Article 7), Huy suggested a clear definition of the agency's responsibilities and its relationship with other organizations. The agency must have the authority, technical capabilities, and adequate management capacity to operate in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear safety standards and security guidelines, and relevant international treaties [1].

In terms of the development and application of atomic energy (Chapter 2, Articles 10 to 13), Huy agreed that promoting the application and development of atomic energy was necessary. He suggested carefully considering the safety measures for individuals and organizations when investing in and establishing facilities for radiation work and radioactive substance production [1].

Regarding the safety and security of nuclear facilities (Chapter 4, Articles 28 to 43), Huy underscored the need for regulations on design approval for nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors to be supplemented [1]. Specifically, the design of nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors should be evaluated and approved by the Nuclear Regulatory Authority of partner countries, while design compliance with international nuclear safety and security requirements is vital for those designed by Vietnamese specialized agencies [1].

As for the authority to decide and approve investment policies for nuclear power projects, public opinions generally supported the government's proposal, placing the decision-making power with the Prime Minister [1].

NA deputies suggested a thorough examination of the legal system to ensure consistency and to meet the requirements of ensuring radiation and nuclear power safety. Regarding radioactive waste, used radioactive sources, and spent nuclear fuel (Chapter 6, Articles 46 to 50), they proposed studying and implementing additional regulations related to waste management [1].

Lastly, concerning response to radiation and nuclear incidents (Chapter 9, Articles 59 to 61), they proposed continuing the review of the incident response plans at the grassroots, provincial, and national levels, aiming for consistency with the Law on Civil Defense and the draft Law on State of Emergency while ensuring the feasibility of coordination between concerned agencies [1]. - VNS

Enrichment Data:

Key Enrichment Insights

The proposed amendments aim to address issues with the current law, including its alignment with international standards, clarification of state management functions, introduction of new safety measures, and streamlining project approval processes [1][3][4].
The changes are expected to promote the development and application of atomic energy for socio-economic and national security goals, while ensuring radiation and nuclear safety, security, and emergency preparedness [2][3].
The draft amended law follows the Government's Resolution 240/NQ-CP, which outlines four key policies guiding the development and application of atomic energy in Vietnam [1].
The proposed law will enhance international cooperation, create new opportunities for the private sector, and attract foreign investments in the Vietnamese atomic energy sector [2].
In order to ensure consistency and address practical requirements, the draft amended law will be carefully reviewed by the National Assembly and will incorporate feedback from concerned stakeholders.

Revised Sentence Structure and Tone

Rewritten for a more conversational and informal tone.
Split the article into smaller sections to improve readability.
Sentence structure has been varied throughout the article for a more natural and original feel.

An overview of the National Assembly's ninth session on Monday afternoon. - VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

The National Assembly is discussing a revised draft law on Atomic Energy during its ninth session, focusing on amendments that address current issues.
These amendments aim to align the law with international standards, clarify state management functions, introduce new safety measures, and streamline project approval processes.
The goal is to establish a robust legal foundation for managing radiation and nuclear safety, enhancing security, and promoting the sustainable development of atomic energy applications.
The draft amended law follows the Government's Resolution 240/NQ-CP, which outlines four key policies guiding the development and application of atomic energy in Vietnam.
The revised law will apply to domestic organizations, individuals, Vietnam-based foreign entities, foreign entities operating in Vietnam, and international organizations involved in the atomic energy sector.
Deputy Prime Minister Lê Thành Long highlighted the draft amended law's aim to institute the Party's guidelines and policies, state atomic energy policies, and to harmonize with other relevant documents.
chairman Lê Quang Huy, suggested adding more detail to the scope of regulation, particularly on nuclear inspection.
Huy also proposed a clear definition of the nuclear regulatory agency's responsibilities and its relationship with other organizations.
The agency should have the authority, technical capabilities, and adequate management capacity to operate in accordance with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) nuclear safety standards and security guidelines, and relevant international treaties.
In terms of the development and application of atomic energy, Huy agreed that promoting its use was essential, but suggested carefully considering safety measures for individuals and organizations when investing in and establishing facilities.
Regarding the safety and security of nuclear facilities, Huy underscored the need for design approval regulations for nuclear power plants and research nuclear reactors to be supplemented.
The authority to decide and approve investment policies for nuclear power projects remains with the Prime Minister, but public opinions suggest a thorough examination of the legal system to ensure its consistency.
Concerning radiation and nuclear incident response, steps should be taken to review incident response plans at various levels, aiming for consistency with the Law on Civil Defense and the draft Law on State of Emergency, ensuring feasibility of coordination between concerned agencies.