CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES — Nuclear energy is back on the table as part of the Philippines’ long-term power strategy, but industry leaders and stakeholders remain split, with some raising skepticism about whether it should be pursued now or later.
During a recent energy forum organized by THE FREEMAN and BANAT NEWS, the Department of Energy Visayas (DOE) confirmed that nuclear power is included in its clean energy roadmap, targeting at least 1,100 to 1,200 megawatts of capacity by 2032 and up to 4,800 megawatts by 2050.
The idea, however, sparked polarized views among panelists over the role nuclear energy could play in addressing the country’s growing power demand.
DOE Visayas Regional Director Renante Sevilla said nuclear integration will be pursued gradually, backed by planning, site identification, and public awareness efforts.
“As part of the clean energy scenario, we have included in the plan… By 2032 we should have at least 1,100 megawatts of capacity of nuclear and by 2050… 4,800 MW,” Sevilla said.
He added that the agency has already organized six clusters to support nuclear development, including one focused on information campaigns and another on identifying potential sites.
Sevilla also noted that a dedicated DOE unit has been created to handle nuclear-related initiatives, signaling a more structured approach compared to past efforts.
Bataan nuclear power plant as a lesson
In revisiting nuclear energy, Sevilla pointed to the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as a cautionary example.
The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is a $2.2 billion, 620-megawatt facility located in Morong. It was completed in 1984 but never operated due to safety concerns and allegations of corruption during the administration of late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
“We learn our lessons from the previous experience… We all know our Bataan nuclear power was considered a white elephant…it was constructed, it was tested. Unfortunately, it was not used,” he said.
The unused facility remains a key reference point in discussions, underscoring concerns about cost, planning, and long-term viability.
Industry leaders’ take
From the private sector, First Gen Corp. Vice President and Head of Strategy and Planning Jay Joel Soriano said nuclear may eventually become necessary as space for renewable energy becomes limited.
“We have been very focused on solar, wind… but at some point, to meet demand, we will run out of land. We will run out of space,” Soriano said.
“So, I think at some point we will really have to go down the path and consider very seriously nuclear,” he added.
Still, he cautioned that unresolved issues, particularly nuclear waste and long-term environmental impact, remain major obstacles.
“It’s nice to talk about nuclear, but it’s not probably gonna happen anytime soon just because of all of the issues that need to be resolved,” Soriano said.
Shell Energy Philippines President and CEO Bernd Krukenberg raised concerns over the financial feasibility of nuclear projects.
“You cannot privately fund a nuclear power. It doesn’t work,” he said.
Krukenberg emphasized that even if nuclear becomes viable in the future, it will not address the country’s current energy challenges.
“Even if nuclear is the solution in 2035 or 2040, it doesn’t help us now,” he added.
He also warned against relying on a single solution to fix the energy crisis, stressing the need for a balanced and timely approach.
Aboitiz Power Transition Business Group Regional COO Rhea Navarro highlighted the importance of coordination between government and private stakeholders.
“The environment has to be right…it’s working with partners like the DOE leading the way but also the private sector helping the different departments in the government,” Navarro said.
She added that nuclear should be viewed as part of a broader mix of emerging technologies rather than a standalone solution.
“It’s not just nuclear…it’s all other technologies coming in the future. It needs collaboration,” she said.
Stakeholders, split
Reactions from other sectors ranged from cautious openness to outright hesitation.
Philippine Chamber of Commerce regional president Felix Taguiam acknowledged both the benefits and risks of nuclear energy.
“Nuclear is good because it’s cheap in cost but it also has downside… the fear that the mindset has to be changed,” Taguiam said.
He urged stakeholders to remain open-minded while recognizing safety concerns.
“There is truth that nuclear is very dangerous… but we have to look at the engineering side. Let’s be open,” he added.
Some participants stressed that current power issues should take priority over long-term nuclear ambitions.
Cebu IT-BPM Organization’s Aseem Roy expressed reservations given global uncertainties.
“With what’s going on in the world right now? I’ll stay away from nuclear energy…but definitely in the long term, this should be part of it,” he said.
Meanwhile, immediate past MCCI president Mark Anthony Ynoc suggested focusing first on strengthening transmission infrastructure.
“Our move should be geared towards transmission development compared to nuclear,” Ynoc said.
Others pushed for continued dialogue without rushing decisions.
University of Cebu corporate lawyer Atty. Emi Rose Parcon said nuclear energy should not be dismissed outright.
“It should not be completely discarded…we need to solve the problems now but also start moving towards that direction,” she said.
Vice President for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Melanie Ng echoed this, emphasizing the need to address current supply reliability.
“We can keep the conversation going but…we should focus on the problems that we are currently facing in terms of reliability and availability of power,” Ng said.
| Written by Jonnavie Villa/IHM
