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Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco urged the swift adoption of nuclear energy to help cut electricity costs and tackle climate issues. He emphasized that nuclear power is a cleaner and more dependable option than the country’s existing energy sources, such as coal and liquefied natural gas (LNG).
He stated during a media briefing, “Why is nuclear energy urgent and imperative? Because of energy density. Konting uranium ang kailangan, napaka-laking energy ang makukuha. Napaka-konti ng waste (We only need a little uranium to get a significant amount of energy. It produces little waste).”
According to Cojuangco, nuclear energy is far more efficient than traditional sources. Since most coal is imported, energy costs remain high. Meanwhile, the country’s main LNG source, the Malampaya gas field, is depleting, making it urgent to find new energy alternatives.
“Kapag hindi natin tinigil ang importasyon of fossil fuels, dun lumalabas ang yaman ng Pilipinas na kinikita pa ng ating pamilya galing abroad. Grabe ang sakripisyo para sa napakaliit (If we don’t stop importing fossil fuels, that’s where much of the money earned by Filipino families is spent on. So much sacrifice for so little return),” he noted.
He estimated that generating 6,000 megawatts of nuclear power could help the country cut energy expenses by up to PHP 1 trillion.
While the country could leverage its existing nuclear facilities, like the unused Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, valued at around $2 billion, Cojuango said that constructing a new plant would boost the local economy by creating hundreds of jobs even before it starts running.
Key advances in Philippine nuclear energy
The country has made notable progress in developing its nuclear energy sector, with recent initiatives paving the way for a more reliable power source.
- Unveiling the Nuclear Energy Roadmap
In September 2024, the Philippines introduced its Nuclear Energy Roadmap at the 68th International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna. Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Sharon Garin called it a milestone year, as the roadmap followed the IAEA’s Milestones Approach to guide the country’s nuclear program.
Garin announced the country’s plan to launch commercial nuclear power plants by 2032, “with at least 1,200 MW initially entering the country’s power mix, gradually increasing to 4,800 MW by 2050.”
- Securing global partnerships
The Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2024 wrapped up last November with global nuclear leaders pledging support for the country’s nuclear program. Commitments included technology sharing, technical aid, and workforce training.
The U.S. pledged $100,000 in scholarships for Filipinos to study nuclear infrastructure through Fulbright programs. Canada expressed its commitment to helping the Philippines with nuclear energy, offering expertise in reactor technology and financing. France is in talks with the DOE to sign an agreement on energy transition and nuclear cooperation.
- Feasibility studies for the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant
The Philippines and South Korea are planning a feasibility study on reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, following an agreement signed between their governments. The deal involves the DOE and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP).
The study will have two parts: first, checking BNPP’s condition, and second, deciding if reopening it is feasible. If the first phase shows revival isn’t practical, KHNP may suggest alternatives like a conventional plant or a small modular reactor.
- Power distributors push forward with nuclear energy plans
Meralco is sending employees abroad for nuclear training. Meralco’s Executive Vice President Ronnie Aperocho said the company is preparing to build nuclear plants, whether small modular reactors or larger traditional ones. He emphasized that modern nuclear technology is much safer than older systems.
Meanwhile, AboitizPower highlighted that the Philippine nuclear program should be safe and affordable through strong planning and regulations. According to the energy company, though nuclear energy had high upfront costs, it came out more affordable in the long run. Still, other factors—environmental and health impacts—should also be considered.
Changing public perception of nuclear energy
The DOE is aware that nuclear energy faces widespread public skepticism. The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2020-2040 acknowledges the need to boost awareness and acceptance to advance the nuclear energy program.
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), built in the 1980s but never operational due to safety concerns and public opposition, has contributed to ongoing mistrust of nuclear energy in the Philippines. High-profile accidents like the Chernobyl disaster in Ukraine (1986) and the Fukushima incident in Japan (2011) have heightened fears of catastrophic events, while concerns about radioactive contamination and long-term health and environmental risks further fuel public apprehension.
During the launch of the Nuclear Energy Roadmap, Garin reiterated the Philippines’ commitment to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, stressing the importance of safety, security, and non-proliferation. She also emphasized the country’s nuclear initiatives outside of energy, including applications in food and agriculture, healthcare, plastics recycling, education, and women’s empowerment.
Latest developments
The government is optimistic that Congress will pass a bill to establish a nuclear power regulatory framework, despite the tight timeline. DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla shared in a press briefing that the House of Representatives had approved the bill, but it was still under discussion in the Senate.
However, he expressed hope that the Senate would push it forward, allowing for legislation to be passed within the current session. “Once this happens, we’ll proceed, as we are most effective when both branches of government work together,” Lotilla stated.
Lotilla also mentioned that the DOE had asked the Maharlika Investment Corp. (MIC) to explore the financial aspects of nuclear power development, as suggested by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. He added that the government is open to partnering with private sector companies to bring nuclear energy to the Philippines.
Sources:
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1239461
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1234940
https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/business/2024/12/19/meralco-doe-preparing-for-nuclear-energy-1713
https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-o-s/philippines