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In the context of increasing energy demands and a strong commitment to transitioning to clean and sustainable energy sources, Vietnam is gradually restarting its nuclear power development program. Projects such as Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 have been identified as national priorities, in accordance with key resolutions from the National Assembly and Government, particularly Resolution No. 41/2009/QH12 and Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15. The establishment of the State Steering Committee and the development of a specific action roadmap not only demonstrate political determination but also outline Vietnam’s long-term strategy in adopting advanced technology, ensuring energy security, and achieving sustainable development. However, during this process, learning from major historical nuclear accidents, such as Three Mile Island, Chernobyl, and Fukushima, plays a crucial role in building a safe, robust, and responsible nuclear power program for the future.
The accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant in Pennsylvania, USA in 1979 is considered the most serious incident in the history of commercial nuclear operations in the U.S. A partial meltdown of the reactor core occurred due to a combination of technical faults and operational errors. Although no fatalities occurred, the incident revealed a series of limitations in technical procedures, human response to emergency situations, and a lack of transparency in crisis communication.
The outcome of this event was a strong wave of reforms in the nuclear sector in the United States. Operating procedures were reviewed and adjusted, workforce training systems were upgraded, and emergency response preparedness was more rigorously established, while the role and capacity of regulatory authorities in the nuclear sector were significantly reinforced.
Lesson learned: The Three Mile Island accident showed that even in a country with world-leading science and technology, a lack of operational discipline and transparency in managing information can still lead to serious risks. This serves as a warning to all countries pursuing nuclear power, emphasizing that safety depends not only on technology but also on people and management systems.
The disaster at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union in 1986 is recorded as the most severe nuclear accident in human history. The explosion of reactor number 4 occurred during a technical experiment, due to a flawed reactor design, improper procedures, and negligence in safety culture. The delayed response system and information concealment worsened the consequences: radiation spread across many European countries, thousands of people fell ill due to radiation exposure, and tens of thousands had to be permanently evacuated.
The Chernobyl disaster not only caused severe losses in terms of human lives and the environment but also changed the global perception of nuclear energy. It prompted an urgent need to restructure nuclear safety management systems worldwide, from reactor design to operational monitoring and the transparent dissemination of information.
Lesson learned: Chernobyl clearly demonstrates that a lack of transparency, a weak safety culture, and technical design flaws can lead to disaster. To ensure nuclear safety, a standardized design system, strict control procedures, independent oversight, and strong international cooperation for timely technical support and information sharing are essential.
The incident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Japan in 2011 is one of the world’s most severe nuclear disasters, second only to Chernobyl. The cause was a massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake off the coast of Japan, followed by a 14-meter tsunami that struck the plant. This event led to the loss of backup power, causing the cooling system of the reactors to fail, resulting in fuel melting and the release of radiation into the environment.
Despite Japan’s reputation for high technological standards and stringent safety protocols, Fukushima demonstrated that extreme natural disasters can exceed any contingency plans. Hundreds of thousands of people were forced to evacuate, and the area surrounding the plant was contaminated with radiation for an extended period.
Lesson learned: Fukushima serves as a reminder that in nuclear energy, all possible natural disaster scenarios—even rare ones—must be considered in design and operations. The location of a plant in a high-risk geological area needs to be carefully evaluated, and the ability to respond to compound disasters (natural events and technological failures) should be integrated into national nuclear safety strategies.
As Vietnam restarts its nuclear power development program, with projects like Ninh Thuan 1 and 2 identified as priorities in the national energy strategy, learning from international lessons is essential. The three major nuclear accidents in history—Three Mile Island (USA, 1979), Chernobyl (Soviet Union, 1986), and Fukushima Daiichi (Japan, 2011)—have left profound lessons, not only about technology but also about management, response, and safety culture.
1. Human Capital and Operational Discipline: Lessons from Three Mile Island The incident at Three Mile Island did not result in any fatalities but revealed confusion in technical operations, human response, and crisis communication. This serves as a warning about the critical role of high-quality, disciplined, and well-trained personnel. For Vietnam, a country building its nuclear industry from nearly scratch, human resources must be prioritized in all development strategies.
2. Safety Design and Transparent Communication: Lessons from Chernobyl The Chernobyl disaster is a testament to the consequences of faulty technical design, a weak safety culture, and a lack of transparency in handling crises. Vietnam must select proven, advanced technologies and establish an operational system with independent, transparent, and accountable oversight. Information transparency is not just a technical requirement but also a foundation for maintaining public trust in nuclear energy.
3. Natural Disasters and Preventive Design: Lessons from Fukushima The Fukushima incident did not arise from technical faults but from the unpredictable power of nature. The earthquake and tsunami destroyed backup power systems, leading to a loss of control over the reactors. For Vietnam—a coastal country affected by climate change—geological, climatic, and disaster risks must be fully integrated into nuclear plant planning. There can be no complacency when facing nature.
4. International Cooperation and Independent Oversight: A Shared Lesson for All Countries All three accidents highlight the importance of strong institutional oversight and international cooperation in risk management. With a young nuclear industry in Vietnam, deep participation in international organizations, learning management experiences from leading countries, and establishing a capable and independent regulatory body are urgent needs.
In the journey of nuclear power development, Vietnam is not alone. The lessons from the past serve as a mirror guiding us to move forward—steadily, safely, and responsibly.
References:
1. World Nuclear Association (WNA) – Three Mile Island Accident
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/three-mile-island-accident
2. World Nuclear News – Chernobyl Disaster
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/safety-and-security/safety-of-plants/chernobyl-accident
3. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – Safety Culture and the Accident at Three Mile Island
https://inis.iaea.org/records/mez4x-w4q40
4. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – Lessons Learned from the Fukushima Daiichi Accident
https://www.iaea.org/bulletin/ensuring-the-safety-of-nuclear-installations-lessons-learned-from-the-fukushima-daiichi-accident
5. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) – Nuclear safety and security
https://www.iaea.org/topics/nuclear-safety-and-security
6. Resolution No. 189/2025/QH15 of the National Assembly: On specific mechanisms and policies for investing in and constructing the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Project.
