Marcos still keen on nuclear energy

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed interest anew over the use of nuclear energy.

"All efforts to increase the number of power sources lean towards clean energy," Marcos told American business leaders.

"That being the case, I am interested in the potential of nuclear energy, especially in light of new technologies and innovations that allow the use of smaller scale, modular, nuclear reactors, and other advanced [reactors] technologies that we see as being safer and more efficient than the more traditional designs of nuclear power production," he added.

Marcos said the Philippines has ongoing discussions with the United States about the 123 Agreement, which will provide the legal framework for civil and nuclear-related investments, particularly nuclear power, in the country.

"Together with the United States and other partners, especially the private sector, we will build the necessary infrastructure to help power a growing economy, as we transition to clean and renewable energy," Marcos said.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos expressed his desire to adopt nuclear energy as part of the country’s power mix, but said the government’s strategy has to be rethought.

During his state visit in Washington in May, Marcos met with officials of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, which is a US-based firm global leader and vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services.

He then considered a "cutting-edge" micro nuclear fuel technology as part of the measures to address the power crisis in the country.—LDF, GMA Integrated News