‘TOL VIEWS
Power rates have steadily increased since January of this year, and thus, the louder call for the government to consider using nuclear energy to address the country’s growing need for power and electricity.
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant has long sat quiet and useless with no return of investment for the government. It might indeed be time for the Philippines to adapt to the rapidly changing global energy landscape and transition to nuclear energy use.
Nuclear energy has long been widely used in the world. The largest nuclear energy producer is of course the United States which derives 50 percent of its clean electricity from nuclear power. France, on the other hand, ranked number one in the list of countries most reliant on nuclear energy with almost 70 percent nuclear share of electricity mix. Fourteen out of the top 15 countries heavily reliant on nuclear energy as a source of electricity are countries from Europe which include, in no particular order, Switzerland, Sweden, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium and Hungary, among others.
Nuclear energy plays a pivotal role in the global energy transition. Mitigating the impacts of climate change entail shifting to cleaner energy sources, and nuclear energy production has shown the lowest rates of greenhouse gas emissions. Our multifaceted energy challenges that have become clearer and more alarming in the recent years demand balanced and sustainable responses. Nuclear energy presents not only reliable and adequate supply but as well as a cost-effective and stable energy source.
The inclusion of nuclear power in our energy mix will definitely reduce our dependence on petroleum products. Consequently, we save our kababayans from the impacts created by a very volatile international petroleum market. Nuclear energy development and use will likewise enable the Philippines to contribute to the global commitment to reduce emissions by reducing fossil fuel use. Our goal is to establish energy sources that are stable and sustainable and enhance our resilience to oil supply disruptions. Nuclear energy is therefore a very viable option.
As it has been written in Executive Order No. 164, Series 2022; “…The State shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.” Public understanding and appreciation of the benefits of nuclear power use is the first big step in saving dear planet Earth. Nuclear power use has long been stalled in the Philippines because public opinion has been misguided and misconceptions have blurred the entire nuclear technology picture. While it may still take some years to jumpstart the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, and investments on equipment, establishment of regulatory bodies and safety protocols may also take some time to be developed, what is important is to begin to act now.