Vietnam: authorities working on safety zones for Ninh Thuan nuclear plants

Ninh Thuan Province is working with the central government to determine the minimum safe distance between residential areas and the planned sites of two nuclear plants before construction begins. Provincial authorities have submitted a formal request to the Ministry of Science and Technology, seeking technical consultation on safe distances between the plant construction sites and nearby residential areas. Once official guidance is received, they will make safety parameters available to residents and local businesses. A resolution has also been submitted to the provincial People’s Council to approve special mechanisms for compensation and resettlement of affected residents. Resettlement plans coordinated by the Provincial Investment and Land Development Project Management Board include clearly defined timelines and a full census of the affected population. The first plant in Thuan Nam District will impact 617 households, totaling 2,910 individuals. The resettlement site for this area will cover over 64 hectares and is estimated to cost around VND 6,450 billion (approximately $253 million). The second plant in Ninh Hai District will affect 844 households, totaling 2,319 residents. Its resettlement area will cover over 54 hectares, with a projected cost of about VND 6,560 billion (approximately $257 million).
The Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects were originally approved by the National Assembly in 2009. They were suspended in 2016, but last year, the National Assembly voted to resume them. Each plant will have a projected capacity of 2,000 MW, for a combined total of 4,000 MW.