Is nuclear power feasible? Duterte wants to know

By Prince Golez

President Rodrigo Duterte issued an executive order (EO) directing a government study on the adoption of a nuclear energy program to strengthen the security of energy supply in the Philippines.

EO 116, signed by Duterte last July 24, provides for the creation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) to be chaired by the Department of Energy with the Department of Science and Technology as vice-chair.

Members include the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Interior and Local Government, Finance, Foreign Affairs, National Economic and Development Authority, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, and the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

“The experience of a number of countries has shown that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive, and environment-friendly energy source,” said Duterte.

“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,” he added.

Under the EO, the NEP-IAC shall have the following powers and functions:

-Conduct a pre-feasibility study to evaluate and assess the need for and viability of introducing nuclear power into the state’s energy mix, taking into consideration economic, security and environmental implications, and engagement of the public and relevant stakeholders;

-Evaluate and formulate a national strategy to include a roadmap and timeline in the preparation of a NEP, as well as measures to address infrastructure gaps and issues and make appropriate recommendations;

-Review the existing legal framework, study the viability of nuclear energy, and recommend the necessary steps in the utilization of nuclear energy, as well as existing facilities such as but not limited to the Bataan Nuclear Plant;

-Create subcommittees to facilitate decision-making on various issues that may arise in the course of study;

-Promulgate guidelines and rules for the effective implementation of the order; and

-Perform such other functions as the President may direct.

The NEP-IAC may call upon any department, agency, or instrumentality of the government for assistance in the course of the implementation of the order and request the assistance of the International Atomic Energy Agency and other international bodies to carry out its objectives, consistent with existing laws and national policies, Duterte’s latest directive stated.

Within six months from the effectivity of the order, the NEP-IAC shall submit an initial report to the Office of the President, through the Executive Secretary. Succeeding reports shall be submitted every six months.

Source: Latest Politics News Today (Politics.com.ph)