Petrovietnam and Canada Explore Cooperation Potential in Nuclear Power Development
On October 16, Mr. Le Ngoc Son, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Vietnam National Industry - Energy Group (PETROVIETNAM), received and held a working session with Mr. Jim Nickel, Ambassador of Canada to Vietnam, alongside a delegation from AtkinsRéalis to exchange insights on CANDU nuclear power technology and Canada's experience in nuclear energy development.
Attending the meeting were PETROVIETNAM Vice President Cao Hoai Duong; Mr. Todd Smith, Vice President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis; and representatives from relevant departments of both sides.
Canadian Ambassador Jim Nickel remarked that bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Canada is unlocking significant opportunities across the energy sector, particularly in safeguarding energy security and advancing the clean energy transition.
The Ambassador noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on energy cooperation and clean energy transition between the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) and Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) serves as an institutional foundation driving bilateral exchanges.
According to Ambassador Jim Nickel, AtkinsRéalis—the Canadian corporation stewarding CANDU nuclear technology—stands ready to share technical specifications and operational expertise for PETROVIETNAM's research and reference.
Introducing the CANDU technology platform, Mr. Todd Smith, Vice President of Nuclear at AtkinsRéalis, shared that the corporation possesses extensive global experience in deploying, operating, and refurbishing nuclear power plants across multiple countries.
According to the AtkinsRéalis representative, CANDU technology is backed by more than 50 years of proven operational experience and utilizes natural uranium without requiring fuel enrichment, thereby contributing to fuel supply diversification.
Furthermore, CANDU reactors feature online refueling (on-power refueling) capabilities and utilize a pressure tube design, facilitating streamlined maintenance and component replacement.
The Canadian delegation also shared practical insights into cultivating a domestic nuclear supply chain, developing supporting industries, and training specialized nuclear personnel.
PETROVIETNAM Chairman Le Ngoc Son warmly welcomed the Canadian delegation on their visit and working session at PETROVIETNAM.
Mr. Le Ngoc Son stated that alongside traditional oil and gas and renewable energy pillars, PETROVIETNAM is actively studying expansion into nuclear power in accordance with mandates assigned by the Vietnamese Government.
As Vietnam transitions into a net energy importer, diversifying energy supply sources—including the development of nuclear power—holds vital significance for ensuring long-term national energy security.
Chairman Le Ngoc Son expressed keen interest in CANDU technology's ability to utilize natural uranium and perform online refueling, while emphasizing the need for comprehensive evaluation regarding technical specifications, economic viability, stringent safety standards, and overall suitability for Vietnam's grid and conditions.
In particular, Chairman Le Ngoc Son underscored the critical imperative of human resource development for the nuclear power sector. Following a prolonged hiatus in nuclear project implementation, preparing a qualified contingent of project managers, engineers, and technical specialists represents one of the foremost priorities for executing Vietnam's nuclear power program.
PETROVIETNAM Vice President Cao Hoai Duong shared that the Group is currently executing pre-investment preparation tasks, conducting research, and finalizing the Pre-Feasibility Study (Pre-FS) Report for the Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant Project, while updating technological, safety, and scheduling requirements.
According to Mr. Cao Hoai Duong, Vietnamese technical teams have historically focused primarily on Light Water Reactor (LWR) technologies. Therefore, engaging with AtkinsRéalis enables the Group to gain deeper insights into CANDU Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) technology, broadening its technical reference base for nuclear power research and appraisal.
During the working session, both sides engaged in constructive discussions regarding CANDU reactor specifications, equipment localization potential, supply chain development, and workforce training. The Canadian side expressed its readiness to continue sharing technical documentation and organizing in-depth technical workshops with PETROVIETNAM.