Nuclear power plays an important role in socio-economic development globally, but it will cause far-reaching consequences if security is not guaranteed and it is not used for peaceful purposes, said Le Dinh Tien, Deputy Minister of Science and Technology.
He stressed that alongside developing nuclear energy, it is imperative to raise public awareness of the advantages of nuclear power in ensuring national energy security and boosting national socio-economic development.
Disseminating information through mass media is one of the effective ways to garner public support for ongoing nuclear power projects in Vietnam, Tien said.
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) representative Pagannone echoed Tien’s view, saying developing nuclear power cannot be done without public support.
She pointed to the fact that both Western and European countries are still concerned about nuclear energy development, and it is the IAEA that can help the countries provide reliable and transparent information about this source of energy.
Vietnam Atomic Energy Agency (VAEA) Director Hoang Anh Tuan reaffirmed Vietnam’s commitment to developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes to ensure national energy security and boost socio-economic development.
He said to successfully implement a nuclear power project, the developer should take into account its safety, efficiency, quality, and support from local authorities and people as well as from international partners, especially the IAEA.