The Philippines has taken a bold step towards more affordable electricity. It is embracing nuclear energy, which can produce power for as cheap as ₱1/kWh. This move not only addresses the current climate power crisis. It also provides a sustainable approach to achieving a power-driven society with cleaner air. The plan to rehabilitate the Philippines Nuclear Power Plant on Bataan shows Filipinos’ strong interest in nuclear energy. Political hurdles have hindered its implementation.
The Philippines’ Nuclear Power Plant was completed in 1986. Unfortunately, it never became operational due to the Chernobyl nuclear accident. Nevertheless, after four decades, the Philippines is finally reintroducing the use of nuclear energy. Representative Marcos Juan Bruno “Mark” O. Cojuangco of the 2nd District of Pangasinan leads the movement for pro-nuclear energy. He heads the Committee on Nuclear Energy. Together, his team and Alpas Pilipinas have gained a significant push for clean air. A significant push happened after a vote of 210 yes and 7 no, with 2 abstained. The vote brings the country closer to its goal of affordable electricity that costs as much as ₱12.06 per kWh.
Filipinos Overwhelmingly Support Nuclear Energy
A 2021 survey found that 94% of Filipinos perceive nuclear power as a choice source of energy. This survey demonstrates their strong wish for nuclear energy to power their cities and communities. The Department of Energy (DOE) conducted an earlier survey in 2019. In this survey, 79% of Filipinos expressed an interest in nuclear energy.
The DOE agrees with Filipinos’ wish for nuclear energy. Still, the new Secretary of DOE seems to be pushing for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). These reactors can only supply about 300MW(e). This capacity is half the size of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant at 621MW(e). Dr. Carlo A. Arcilla, Director of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, thinks SMRs are only suitable for remote areas in the Philippines. Building several plants to supply metropolitan areas would cost more. Thus, it is practical and cheaper to start with the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
Nuclear Energy: Safe, Clean, and Affordable
Nuclear energy is a type of green energy. It produces almost zero emissions. Nuclear waste is disposed of safely. Greenpeace Finland supports nuclear energy. The average nuclear power plant produces 30 tons of waste each year. By comparison, a fossil-fueled power plant produces 300,000 tons of waste per year. All nuclear waste is spent fuel, and 96% of it is recycled. The unrecycled nuclear waste is disposed of safely and properly. This involves a deep isolation method. The process includes boring a hole 1000 ft into the ground and curving it. The nuclear waste is then stored in the curved section.
Bataan Nuclear Power Plant: A Practical Choice
Nuclear power plants are the safest in the industry. They stay safe despite the sensationalized disasters portrayed in cinema. The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 and the Fukushima Daichi earthquake disaster in 2011 had no fatalities. Fewer than 50 people died in the Chernobyl disaster in 1986, all of whom were emergency responders. The Philippines government spends ₱15 million to sustain a Nuclear Power Plant in Bataan. It is inactive but has remained intact. It withstood decades of typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes that constantly hit the country. This resilience is due to the feasibility study on nuclear technology. This study was conducted during President Garcia’s term in 1960. It aimed to create a safe and secure nuclear power plant for the Philippines.
Nuclear power plants are safer than coal-fueled power plants, which cause 24.62 deaths. This is every time they produce a thousand terawatts of power each hour, compared to a nuclear power plant. A nuclear power plant has only 0.03 deaths in the same scenario.
The Philippines Nuclear Power Plant is economic progress waiting to be tapped.
References:
https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1986/11/04/executive-order-no-55-s-1986/
https://www.energy.gov/ne/articles/lesson-7-waste-nuclear-power-plants
https://www.orano.group/en/unpacking-nuclear/all-about-used-fuel-processing-and-recycling
Nuclear Waste Disposal Solutions
https://www.statista.com/statistics/494425/death-rate-worldwide-by-energy-source/
