Vietnam can master small modular reactor technology by 2040: top scientist

The Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute, the operator of the country’s only research reactor for over 40 years, will play a central role in this plan.

Vu said the institute would shift its focus from research-production to research-training-practice to indigenize nuclear technology starting with small modular reactors (SMRs).

Dr. Cao Dong Vu (blue suit), director of the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute, presents about the Da Lat research reactor. Photo courtesy of the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute

- As the only facility for hands-on nuclear reactor training in Vietnam, how does the institute plan to get personnel?

- The Da Lat research reactor is currently the most suitable facility for comprehensive nuclear reactor training. But it lacks flexibility and coherent training resources, which limits its ability to prepare personnel for key projects like the new research reactor in Dong Nai Province, the nuclear power plant in Ninh Thuan Province and SMRs.

With these limitations in mind, the Vietnam Atomic Energy Institute proposed creating the National Nuclear Research and Training Center last August. It will merge the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute with the Nuclear Training Center in Hanoi.

It aims to turn the Da Lat reactor into a hub for practical training, specialized research and civilian nuclear innovation.

SMRs have a capacity of below 300 megawatts per unit, much smaller than traditional reactors’ 1,000-1,600 megawatts.

They use fully passive safety systems, natural convection and self-cool without using external power. They also require less investment and time for construction, are flexible and can be expanded easily, making them suitable for smaller power grids.

But SMR technology is still being researched globally, while traditional reactors have been developed and tested in many countries for over 70 years.

The Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute will focus on SMR research and increase cooperation with international organizations and countries with advanced nuclear programs, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, Russia, Japan, and South Korea.

- What are the institute’s plans for developing small modular reactors?

- SMRs are on the government’s list of 11 national strategic technologies. Vietnam will first have to cooperate with countries holding the source technology to install a unit for research. It expects 8-10 units before 2035 and 30-35 units by 2045.

The Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute will actively research and train personnel to take part in SMR projects.

A view of the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute. Photo courtesy of Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute

- The Da Lat reactor has been producing radioactive isotopes for hospitals. How will production be managed as the institute shifts from production to training?

- The reactor currently supplies 1,000-1,500 Curie of radioactive isotopes to 23 of the country’s 40 nuclear medicine departments every year. It is much more than when the reactor began operating in 1984 since demand has grown with more hospitals establishing nuclear medicine units.

When the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted imports, the reactor operated for more than 4,500 hours a year, nearly three times its usual capacity. It was able to meet almost all domestic demand for radioisotope I-131, used to treat thyroid disorders and support diagnosis and treatment of millions of patients.

Construction if the new reactor at the Nuclear Science and Technology Research Center in Dong Nai is expected to begin in 2027.

It will have a capacity of 10 megawatts, 20 times larger than the current reactor, and will produce radioactive isotopes and support large-scale research programs.

All production will be transferred to the new reactor by 2035.

Staff at the Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute produce freeze-dry kits used to label radioactive isotopes for medical diagnostics. Photo courtesy of Da Lat Nuclear Research Institute

- What limitations does Vietnam face in mastering nuclear power technologies?

- Full energy autonomy using nuclear power is our mission. Our 40 years of safely operating the Da Lat reactor has provided important lessons.

Vietnam needs a step-by-step approach to research, design, operation, and safety management while gradually indigenising the supply chain.

The focus should be on three key areas.

First, prioritize safety through a legal framework and independent oversight that meet international standards.

Second, train high-quality nuclear personnel at domestic universities and the National Nuclear Research and Training Center. We should use internationally standardized programs and partner with international agencies like the IAEA.

Third, we need to start small with research reactors and SMR, and move toward participating in the nuclear power supply chain.

Vietnam’s nuclear workforce has thousands of engineers and scientists trained both domestically and abroad. Many are experienced with the Da Lat reactor and related research projects.

Our biggest limitation is practical experience in building, operating and managing large-scale nuclear power plants due to the lack of a proper training program.

We also need coordination between research, production and industry.

Mastery of core technology and the domestic supply chain is also a challenge.

Beside building a national center for nuclear research and training, Vietnam should strengthen international cooperation for technology transfer, and develop domestic companies for equipment and services.

Experience in other countries shows this approach can help the country indiginize technology and develop a sustainable nuclear industry.