On January 21, a scientific seminar entitled “Environmental Impacts of the Coastal Ninh Thuan Nuclear Power Plant: Realities and Solutions” was held at the University of the Pacific Ocean (UPO). The event attracted the participation of experts in the fields of energy, economics, and law, along with a large number of lecturers, staff members, and students of the University of the Pacific Ocean.
The seminar was jointly organized by the Vietnam National Industry and Energy Group (PVN), PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PTSC), the Vietnam Nuclear Energy Experts Network Abroad (VietNuc), Times Science and Education Publishing Joint Stock Company (TIMES), in collaboration with the University of the Pacific Ocean. This event was one of UPO’s flagship academic activities, aiming to connect scientific knowledge with practical development issues of the locality.
In his opening remarks, Dr. Le Anh Tuan, Vice President of the University of the Pacific Ocean, emphasized that nuclear power is a key component of Vietnam’s strategy to ensure national energy security and transition toward low-emission energy sources. The Ninh Thuan 1 and Ninh Thuan 2 Nuclear Power Plant projects, planned for construction in Khanh Hoa Province, are large-scale projects oriented toward clean energy development. They are expected to enter commercial operation during the 2030–2035 period, with a focus on advanced technologies and strengthened international cooperation.
At the seminar, speakers focused on analyzing the environmental impacts of the nuclear power plant projects proposed for the coastal area of Ninh Thuan (now part of Khanh Hoa Province following administrative boundary adjustments). According to experts, this area holds strategic importance for energy development while also imposing high requirements for marine environmental protection and community well-being.
Dr. Pham Tuan Hiep, Materials Mechanics Specialist at the Technical Division of Électricité de France (EDF) and Secretary General of VietNuc, stated that public concerns about nuclear power largely stem from a lack of comprehensive scientific information.
“Modern nuclear power plants are designed with extremely high safety standards. Used cooling water is strictly controlled, contains no radioactive substances, and does not significantly affect marine ecosystems if operated in accordance with proper procedures,” Dr. Pham Tuan Hiep explained.
In addition to technical aspects, the seminar devoted considerable attention to discussions on policy, legal frameworks, and social responsibility. Ms. Le Anh Van, M.A., Vice President of the University of the Pacific Ocean, emphasized that nuclear power development must be placed within a clear, transparent legal framework with strong alignment between the Law on Atomic Energy and the Law on Environmental Protection.
“A nuclear power plant requires not only technical licenses but also a ‘social license’—one that is built on transparent legal foundations and responsibility toward the community,” Ms. Le Anh Van stated.
Economic expert Tran Si Chuong, who previously participated in the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant project in the United States, noted that many nuclear power plants worldwide have operated safely for decades without facing technological obsolescence. He stressed the importance of effective public communication regarding the high safety standards of nuclear power plants. At the same time, he emphasized the need for strong social commitments from authorities toward communities in project areas, particularly in terms of resettlement solutions, livelihood support, educational scholarships for local youth, and health insurance funds.
The panel discussion and Q&A session created a lively exchange between speakers and UPO lecturers and students. Many questions centered on safety, environmental protection, and the social impacts of nuclear power projects. Notably, a student from the University of the Pacific Ocean raised concerns about career opportunities related to this field:
“For students in non-technical majors such as Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or Law, are career opportunities in nuclear power projects truly open, and how should we prepare while still at university?”
In response, Dr. Pham Tuan Hiep noted that large-scale nuclear power projects inevitably create a multidisciplinary employment ecosystem, not only requiring engineers but also generating diverse job opportunities at the local level in Khanh Hoa Province. In addition to technical fields, demand for human resources in logistics, supply chain management, project management, finance, legal affairs, communications, and safety management is expected to increase throughout the implementation and operation of these projects. These areas are well suited for students in economics and social sciences, provided they are equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge, professional skills, and foreign language proficiency during their university studies.
The seminar concluded after more than two hours of in-depth discussion, leaving many new perspectives for UPO lecturers, staff, and students. Through this event, the University of the Pacific Ocean reaffirmed its role as an open academic space where scientific knowledge is closely linked to the development challenges of Khanh Hoa Province and the country in the context of the ongoing energy transition.