HANOI - Vietnam will investigate developing nuclear power to ensure national energy security and to support economic growth, according to a document of the government office reviewed by Reuters.

The Southeast Asian country, a regional industrial hub heavily reliant on coal for power generation, is also seeking to boost its cleaner energy production to meet its net zero target by 2050.

"The Ministry of Industry and Trade is to conduct research on the nuclear power development experience of other countries and make a proposal to develop nuclear power in Vietnam," according to the document, which was dated September 12.

The document said Vietnam has a target of raising its power generation capacity by 12%-15% a year to "ensure national energy security... and support an annual economic growth of 7%."

The nuclear power development proposal will be submitted to the Politburo, the country's most powerful decision-making body, for review, according to the document, although no time frame was provided.

  - Reuters