Going nuclear: A sensible and practical option for the Philippines

Energy is a vital resource of any country. Just as the human body needs the energy to function and get things done, it is essential in the functioning and growth of the country’s economy. Its reliability, accessibility, and sufficiency can have direct effects on one’s quality of life.

The pressing need to address climate change and meet commitments made to reduce our carbon footprint, the war in Ukraine, and the pandemic, among other factors affecting the global economy, have all combined to create a multitude of issues, such as inflation and high gas prices, that have made life quite difficult for ordinary folk. It also bears mentioning that even before the pandemic and the war in Ukraine, energy prices in the Philippines were already among the highest in the region.

In view of the multifaceted challenges faced by the Philippine energy sector, adding nuclear power to the country’s energy mix is a sensible and practical option. Nuclear energy provides a solution to meet commitments to reduce carbon emissions, as well as adequate and reliable power for development needs. It also lowers electricity prices for consumers and enhances the country’s energy security by reducing its reliance on third parties and external factors.

In his first State of the Nation Address this week, President Marcos Jr. cited the need to reexamine the country’s strategy for utilizing nuclear power and adding it to the mix of energy sources needed to spur economic development while adhering to climate change commitments. He also assured the International Atomic Energy Agency that the Philippines will observe pertinent regulations for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy. With the President’s pronouncement, going nuclear is now definitely part of our country’s energy policy.

As for implementation, Executive Order No. 164 signed by former president Duterte can be viewed as a starting point, as it provides a national policy position from which the strategy of building nuclear power plants can be reexamined by relevant agencies. There will be other key steps necessary to move forward with this policy, such as establishing an independent regulatory body, ratifying key global nuclear safety and security conventions and treaties, and passing legislation to update nuclear regulatory laws.

This means that the participation and support of both houses of Congress will be crucial. The involvement of the legislative branch of government in this process will provide ample opportunity to put into place a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure safety and security in the use of nuclear energy. Given there will be resistance to the use of nuclear power from some sectors of society, the legislative arena provides ample opportunity for robust debate on the issue.

Mr. Marcos has yet to appoint an energy secretary, but whoever gets entrusted with that role will be crucial in putting everything together to enable the country to reap the benefits of nuclear energy. This person should be able to work closely with other key agencies such as the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Trade and Industry, and Science and Technology. Hopefully, the right person would soon be chosen for the job.

This is an opportunity to get things done right for the benefit of all. The success of advanced economies may be traced in part to their use of nuclear energy. The Philippines is no longer a Third World country and is now a fast-rising, dynamic economy on the verge of achieving upper-middle income status. Let’s not fail to seize the moment.

Moira G. Gallaga