PH-US civil nuclear cooperation pact takes effect

The United States and Philippines’ Agreement for Cooperation in Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or 123 Agreement has entered into force, the US State Department said on Tuesday (Manila time).

In a statement, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said the agreement, which aims to enhance the cooperation on clean energy and energy security, came into force on July 2.

“This Agreement provides a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation with the Philippines based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation,” Miller said.

“It will permit the transfer of nuclear material, equipment (including reactors), components, and information for nuclear research and civil nuclear energy production,” it added.

Civil nuclear cooperation agreements provide a legal framework for exports of nuclear material, equipment, and components from the US to another country, according to Miller.

The US expressed commitment in pushing for a safe, secure, and modern Philippine civil nuclear sector, which would need a skilled workforce, robust regulations, and strong commercial partnerships.

“Energy security is an increasingly critical global challenge requiring deliberate collaborative efforts, and together our two countries can make a significant contribution to our shared clean energy goals,” Miller said. 

“Nuclear energy can help achieve these vital global climate change and energy security targets, and we look forward to exploring new avenues of cooperation with the Philippines in civil nuclear energy and other clean energy initiatives,” he added.

Philippines' Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla earlier said the government included nuclear power in the country’s energy mix under the Philippine Energy Plan for 2023 to 2050.

“We look forward to exploring the different opportunities for attaining this,” he said.

“We welcome the initiative of the United States government to have this working group of US firms that are interested in offering services in the civil nuclear space,” Lotilla added. —Joviland Rita/KBK, GMA Integrated News