Vietnam is considering the revival of its nuclear power development plans to bolster national energy security and support economic growth, according to a government document reviewed by Reuters.

The country, which depends heavily on coal for power generation, aims to enhance cleaner energy production to achieve its net zero target by 2050.

According to the document, 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.

The document states that Vietnam has a target of raising its power generation capacity by between 12% and 15% a year to “ensure national energy security… and support an annual economic growth of 7%.”

The proposal for nuclear power development will be presented to the Politburo, Vietnam’s top decision-making body, for consideration.

In 2009, Vietnam approved the construction of its first two nuclear power plants, expected to have a combined capacity of 4GW.