Philippines’ foray into nuclear power seen ‘within the decade’ —DOE

The country’s foray into nuclear power generation is seen as happening "within the decade," Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said Wednesday.

During the Pandesal Forum, Lotilla said the government is working on studies such as the sites where to put nuclear power plants as well as the regulatory framework for nuclear power generation.

"We are also working with NEDA (National Economic and Development Authority) to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development… the government is prohibited from entering the power generation space, but if there is a possibility for the private sector to do it, we should support it," the Energy chief said.

However, he said there needs to be a law before the country can embark on nuclear power development.

"The Congress is working on one important requisite: the legal and regulatory framework," Lotilla said.

In March, the House nuclear energy committee approved a consolidated substitute bill seeking a comprehensive atomic regulatory framework and establishing the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Commission.

Taking into consideration all the requirements, including the legal framework, Lotilla said the start of the country’s nuclear power development could happen "within the decade."

"Within the decade, I am sure that we can be on track for that," the Energy chief said.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. earlier expressed his desire to adopt nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix, but said the government’s strategy had to be rethought.

"I believe it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants in the Philippines," the President said in his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) last year.

In March, Marcos said he was considering "cutting-edge" micro nuclear fuel technology as part of the measures to address the power crisis in the country.

The DOE earlier said that the Philippines would have to wait 10 years to see a working nuclear power plant, given the time needed for feasibility studies and other factors.

"It is for Congress to determine the decision on whether or not we should go for nuclear power, and even the timing will be determined by them," Lotilla said.

"But we intend to work with them, so in the meantime, we are making sure that when that decision is made and the Congress gives the green light, we won’t be starting from scratch," he added. —VBL, GMA Integrated News