On April 23, the provincial Department of Industry and Trade provided an update on the development of the Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant Projects No. 1 and No. 2, which are to be located in Thuan Nam and Ninh Hai districts, respectively.

The provincial government has 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 and public infrastructure. Once official guidance is received, the province will make all safety parameters publicly available to residents and local businesses.

The People's Committee has also submitted a resolution to the provincial People's Council to approve special mechanisms for compensation, support, and resettlement of affected households.

A dedicated Steering Committee for Resettlement has been formed, with detailed responsibilities assigned to various provincial departments and local authorities. The Provincial Investment and Land Development Project Management Board has been tasked with coordinating expert-led revisions to the resettlement site plans to ensure residents are provided with adequate infrastructure and living conditions.

The resettlement plans include clearly defined timelines and a full census of affected populations. The first plant, located in Phuoc Dinh Commune (Thuan Nam District), will impact 617 households, totaling 2,910 individuals. The resettlement site for this area will cover approximately 64.85 hectares and is estimated to cost around VND 6,450 billion (approximately USD 253 million).

The second plant, located in Vinh Hai Commune (Ninh Hai District), will affect 844 households, or 2,319 residents. Its resettlement area will span 54.4 hectares, with a projected cost of about VND 6,560 billion (approx. USD 257 million).

The Ninh Thuan nuclear power projects were originally approved by the National Assembly in 2009. Plant No. 1 is planned for Vinh Truong Hamlet, Phuoc Dinh Commune, on a 440-hectare site. Plant No. 2 will be built in Thai An Hamlet, Vinh Hai Commune, covering roughly 380 hectares. Each plant will have a projected capacity of 2,000 MW, for a combined total of 4,000 MW.

The projects were suspended in late 2016 following a National Assembly resolution. However, in November 2024, the Assembly voted to resume the Ninh Thuan nuclear power program.

Xuan Ngoc