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Philippines eyes investments in nuclear energy
THE Philippines seeks investments in nuclear energy as it is moving closer to adoping this power source, according to the Department of Energy (DoE).
In his speech at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Scientific Forum on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said he hoped “our update would open doors for potential collaborative opportunities in the future with the international nuclear energy community…”
He was referring to Executive Order (EO) 116, which President Rodrigo Duterte signed in July. It mandated a government study to determine and develop the position for a nuclear power program in the country.
The EO formed the DoE-led Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, which is tasked to submit its recommendation on such a position to Malacañang as soon as possible.
The order, Cusi said, paves the way for the country to rewrite its “nuclear journey” and that the time is ripe for the country to embark on a full national nuclear energy program.
The panel “is expected to step in and continue collaborative work with the IAEA,” he added.
“This is a major step toward the realization of a Philippine nuclear energy program, one which would benefit our people by enhancing our energy supply levels and help shield our consumers from traditional power price volatilities.”
Prior to EO 116, the department was updating the Philippine Energy Plan, which projects the inclusion of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix by 2030.
“With the evolution of small modular reactors that are suitable for off-grid or island areas of the Philippines, the possibility of establishing a modular power plant in the country might come sooner, even as early as 2027,” Cusi said.
“We are strongly pushing for the passage of the necessary legal and regulatory frameworks to pave the way for nuclear power, which are among the bills that have been certified as urgent in Congress,” he added.
Despite strong opposition from various sectors, Cusi said he had been working toward integrating nuclear power as a reliable alternative energy resource to attain power sufficiency and meet future demand.
Noting that nuclear power is a politicized issue in the country, the Energy chief assured that his department had been working to ensure that public and stakeholder acceptance is fully and properly addressed.
Source: https://www.manilatimes.net/2020/09/24/business/business-top/ph-eyes-investments-in-nuclear-energy/771434/