Petrovietnam Calls for Synchronized Regulation and Development in Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Project

Petrovietnam has proposed adopting a synchronized coordination mechanism in the development of the Ninh Thuan 2 nuclear power project. The Group believes that for this nuclear power plant project, regulatory, licensing, and inspection procedures should proceed in parallel with the project development process during the investment preparation phase. This approach can enhance document quality, control risks, and ensure the project is implemented safely and in compliance with standards. Petrovietnam emphasized that nuclear power projects require regulatory work (including licensing, assessment, and review) to be integrated into all stages of the project lifecycle, rather than being treated as a subsequent step.

The Vietnam Oil and Gas Group proposed that, to effectively advance project preparation, efforts should be made to strengthen the technical capacity of regulatory agencies, establish an early technical exchange mechanism among regulatory authorities, investors, consulting firms, and other stakeholders, and develop a clear regulatory roadmap that defines key milestones, document types, evaluation criteria, and the responsibilities of each party. The purpose of this coordination is not to alter safety requirements, but to improve the quality of document preparation, reduce subsequent adjustments, and create conditions for the synchronized and efficient implementation of regulatory work and project development.

In the implementation of nuclear power projects, Petrovietnam recommended that regulatory inspection activities be based on risk assessment and linked to key project objectives. These inspections should be regarded as a means to assist quality control, identify issues requiring improvement at an early stage, strengthen safety culture, and ensure that safety is prioritized in all decisions. The key lies in the fact that project success depends on close coordination among all parties, with safety always being the foremost and non-negotiable condition.

Petrovietnam affirmed that the success of a nuclear power project depends not only on the chosen technology, but also on meeting a range of fundamental requirements, including a robust, independent, and effective regulatory system; investors with sufficient management, organizational, and technical expertise; and a supply chain capable of meeting stringent standards, demonstrating implementation capacity, and adapting to risks. These are critical conditions for ensuring the safe construction and operation of the nuclear power plant, with quality assurance and compliance with international standards.