02.11.2007 // Press service of Atomexpo OJSC

Rosatom’s exposition aroused keen interest at the first international forum and exhibition — fair on the Vietnam energy development VE EXPO 2007

The First international forum and exhibition — fair on the Vietnam energy development “VE EXPO 2007” took place at Vietnam Exhibition Fair Center in Hanoi Oct 30-Nov 2 2007 under the aegis of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam with the participation of CPB and other big companies.

The Federal Agency for Nuclear Energy (Rosatom) took an active part in the forum.

The Russian exposition – organized by Atomexpo OJSC — was represented by 10 companies: Atomstroyexport CJSC, TVEL OJSC, Techsnabexport OJSC, Research Institute of Measuring Systems, Hydropress Experimental Design Bureau, Atomenergoproekt FSUE, Atomenergoproekt (St.Petersburg), Hydromashservice CJSC, SNIIP-Sistematom CJSC and Atom Innovation Center.

Atomstroyexport’s stand was in the spotlight. The company presented video and information materials about its activities, particularly, projects for building nuclear research centers.

Vice Premier of Vietnam Hoang Chung Hay, the chairman of the Nuclear Energy Committee of Vietnam Vuong Huu Tan, Vietnamese officials as well as nuclear experts from participant states (South Korea, China, India, Japan, France) attended Rosatom’s exposition.

Huu Tan met with our delegates and told them about Vietnam’s plans to develop nuclear energy. He showed keen interest in Tianwan NPP project in China and the project of nuclear research center offered to Vietnam.

The economy of Vietnam is quickly developing, with energy consumption growing by 15%-20% a year. By 2015 Vietnam is expected to consume all of its water and thermal power resources. That’s why it urgently needs to build a nuclear power plant.

The local authorities have already decided where they will build their first plant – in the province of Ninh Thuan. The Ministry of Industry and Trade of Vietnam says that the tender procedure will be announced by the end of this year, with the project to be launched in 2012 and to be completed by 2017. The capacity of the plant will range from 1000–2000 MW.

By 2025 Vietnam is planning to build several nuclear power plants, supposedly, two or three NPPs with a total capacity of 8,000 MW. The country is planning to spend $16bln for this purpose.

Russia is going to bid for the project. Atomstroyexport says that it is ready to assist Vietnamese companies in building the plant and to share its relevant experience and technologies. Rosenergoatom Concern, jointly with other Rosatom organizations, is ready to consult the Vietnamese colleagues throughout the project and to train operators for the plant.

During a two-day seminar conducted in the framework of the forum Atomstroyexport made a report about its practical experience of construction of modern safe nuclear power plants abroad, particularly, the ongoing Belene project in Bulgaria and finished Tianwan project in China. The company presented some of its unique technologies, aimed at enhancing the safety of nuclear power plants, particularly, double containment and a “trap” for melted reactor core.

VE EXPO 2007 was an excellent opportunity for Rosatom to promote Russian nuclear technologies on the Vietnamese market. It was a good chance for us to formulate our concept of nuclear industry development, to outline the priorities of international and national nuclear safety, to show our achievements in the sector and to establish mutually beneficial cooperation in the field of peaceful use of nuclear energy.

In conclusion, deputy minister of industry and trade of Vietnam Do Huu Hao presented Rosatom with a certificate and cup for contribution to the development of Vietnam’s energy sector.

VE EXPO is an important hallmark and a chance for overseas and domestic enterprises, individuals, scientists managers and investors, inland and abroad, to develop their researchers and studies, detail findings, in order to seek the potential market for the development and consumption of energy products (electricity, gas petroleum, nuclear power for peace target, and other sources of energy).

The Forum and Exhibition Fair was a good chance for overseas and domestic corporations to exchange directly their experiences, to approach and talk new technologies in energy sector as well as to study and grasp in details the guideline and policies of the Vietnam Government on energy sector. It was also a chance for Vietnam to confirm its new propitious and attractive investment environment with huge potentials.