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<img loading="lazy" src="https://cdn.kahimyang.com/resources-8/phl-nuclear.webp" alt="Bataan Nuclear Power Plant" />
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The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, President Duterte (inset))
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The Department of Energy (DoE) on Wednesday, July 29, 2020, called the President's move a welcome development as it would commence the development and use of nuclear energy in the country in time for the spiking public demand for stable and sufficient electricity.
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Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi had previously noted that the use of nuclear power would benefit the people by enhancing the country's energy supply levels and help shield the consumers from traditional power price volatilities in the long run.  He said:
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"I believe that once successfully addressed infrastructure gaps and fulfilled all other necessary national requirements, our people and future generations will reap the economic benefits a nuclear energy program brings."
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<a href="https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2020/07/24/executive-order-no-116-s-2020/" class="news_link" target="_blank" target="Source">Executive Order (EO) 116</a>, signed by the President on July, 24, 2020 provides for the creation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) to be chaired by the DoE, with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) as vice chair.
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The inter-agency body is mandated to primarily conduct a study for the adoption of a National Position on a Nuclear Energy Program (NEP).
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In the issuance of EO 116, the chief executive cited the need to revisit the country's policy on nuclear energy and to determine its feasibility as a long term option for power generation.
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EO 116 mandates a study for the adoption of a National Position on a Nuclear Energy Program Constituting a Nuclear Energy Program (NEP), per International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) guidelines and relevant laws, rules, and regulations.
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The State adheres to international standards on safety, security, and safeguards on the peaceful development of nuclear and is committed to a multi-stakeholder involvement in the development of a National Position for a NEP.
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Thus, there is an imperative need to revisit the country's policy on nuclear energy and to determine its feasibility as a long term option for power generation.
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The funding requirements for the implementation of the order will be charged against available appropriations of the DoE, and if necessary, such other appropriate funding sources as the Department of Budget and Management may identify, subject to relevant laws, rules and regulations.
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I believe that once we have successfully addressed infrastructure gaps and we have fulfilled all other necessary national requirements, our people and future generations will reap the economic benefits a nuclear energy program brings.
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The IAEA has earlier prescribed guidelines on building a National Position for a NEP, which identifies significant components thereof such - as but not limited to - national policy development, energy analysis and planning, pre-feasibility study, and the engagement of the public and relevant stakeholders.
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Long time coming
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It should be noted that the government has long been exploring nuclear power as a viable energy source in line with the global push to reduce fossil fuel use due to its hazardous carbon emissions.
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For the past several years, the DoE, through its Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Organization, has been working closely with the IAEA to assess the feasibility of safely and responsibly harnessing nuclear energy in the country.
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In a previous interview, Cusi pointed out that the public's perception of nuclear energy is also changing as reflected in the nationwide survey which the DoE commissioned last year.
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However, the government official previously declared that he wanted to ensure that adequate security measures are in place before considering a nuclear energy program for the country.
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Engaging in nuclear technology calls for the assistance and mentorship of countries that already have knowledge of nuclear energy such as China, Russia, Korea and France.
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Under the Philippine Energy Plan 2016-2030, the government is pushing towards a "responsive and dynamic" energy mix to support the growing industrialization and expected increase in energy demand.
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The Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear power program with the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) in 1958.
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Two decades later, after the PAEC's establishment, the country became host to Southeast Asia's only nuclear power plant in the 1980s through the 621-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
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Its construction started in 1976, with a total investment amounting to $2.3 billion by the time it was completed in 1984. However, the plant's operation was never pursued.
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<p><b>Sources:</b></p>
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Cusi hails Duterte nuke power push, <a href="https://tribune.net.ph/index.php/2020/07/30/cusi-hails-duterte-nuke-power-push/" class="news_link" target="_blank" title="Source">Maria Romero with with Francis T. Wakefield</a>, July 28, 2020, The Daily Tribune
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PDF: <a href="https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2020/07jul/20200724-EO-116-RRD.pdf" target="_blank" class="news_link" title="Source"> Executive Order No. 116, s. 2020</a>
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(We are unable to grant permission for any kind of reproduction of this article other than social media shares.  Please visit the source listed above to read the original article and for more information.)
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Long time coming: Duterte ordered adoption of nuclear energy as a power source