According to Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, the Department of Energy, through the Nuclear Energy Program – Interagency Committee, is now finalizing the country’s nuclear energy roadmap which would outline the government’s key targets that must be achieved to finally unleash nuclear energy in the country’s generation mix.
Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to have a nuclear capacity of at least 1,200 megawatts by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW and 4,800 MW by 2035 and 2050, respectively.
Lotilla made the statement following the entry into force of the landmark “123 agreement” between Manila and Washington for potential Philippine nuclear power projects with US providers.
The deal, signed November 2023 after about seven months of negotiations, is expected to enhance the collaboration of the two countries in fostering clean energy and ensuring energy security.
Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara also encouraged the private sector to invest in nuclear energy to boost the country’s targets.
In May, the Manila Electric Co. announced that it was wrapping up the feasibility study with US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. for the development of micro-nuclear power plants, in line with its plans to build a micro-modular reactor with a capacity of 5-15 MW.
Meralco COO Ronnie Aperocho said they want a proof of concept to convince the Filipino people that nuclear energy is a safe, reliable, cheap, and clean source of baseload bower, which the country badly needs.
Nuclear energy, if implemented properly, should be able to provide a safe and clean power source option that the Philippines has been in dire need of in its path to progress and development. If its proponents and supporters can ensure that the technology, equipment, and training is available and can be deployed properly, it would be irresponsible not to at the very least, give it the consideration it deserves.*
