rich711 PH making ‘significant progress’ in nuclear push
INIR mission team leader Mehmet Ceyhan presents the draft report to Raphael P.M. Lotilla, Philippine Secretary of Energy, at the closing meeting on 6 December. (Photo: Department of Energy of the Philippines)
The Philippines’ capability to deploy nuclear energy for power generation has made “significant progress,” according to an international team formed by the Austria-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
From an initial mission launched in 2018, the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (Inir) mission conducted another assessment last week on the country’s capacity to embrace this technology in beefing up its electricity supply.
Article continues after this advertisementThis new round of assessment, conducted upon the Philippine government’s request, was led by two international experts from Türkiye and Pakistan and two IAEA staff.
FEATURED STORIES BUSINESS BIZ BUZZ: Meralco powers Naia BUSINESS PH emerges as hot spot for RE investments BUSINESS SMC, ADB top list of most sought-after employers in PHREAD: Nuclear energy pitched to Maharlika
“The Philippines expanded the composition of its Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organization (NEPIO) to 24 organizations, and all sub-committees of NEPIO are actively engaged to implement relevant activities,” mission team leader Mehmet Ceyhan, technical lead in the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, said in a statement over the weekend.
Article continues after this advertisement“This indicates the level of commitment of the Philippines to proceed with their nuclear power program,” Ceyhan added.
Article continues after this advertisementHowever, the mission team noted that more work needs to be done before the Philippines can launch nuclear energy, especially in the field of the country’s grid network, industrial involvement, and national legislation.
Article continues after this advertisementIn a separate statement, Energy chief Raphael Lotilla welcomed the assessment of the IAEA team, saying this “reflects the Philippine government’s steadfast commitment to developing a robust nuclear power program.”
“This collaboration strengthens our ability to adopt nuclear energy responsibly alongside renewable energy sources, driving us closer to our goal of inclusive and sustainable economic growth,” he said.
Article continues after this advertisementPresident Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wants to have the country’s first nuclear power plants up and running by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
During his late father’s dictatorship, the government built the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). However, this was never in operation after construction had been completed in 1986 due to allegations of corruption and issues with safety.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter