Philippines Nuclear Power Program Faces Potential 2035 Delay

The Philippines' Department of Energy (DoE) signaled a potential delay in its nuclear power program, with the earliest operational target now projected for 2035 or later, a three-year shift from the original goal. Energy Utilization and Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino stated that grid integration, assuming no changes to the Philippine Grid Code and other technical requirements, is expected to commence around 2035 to 2038. The DoE is currently drafting the rules that will guide developers and stakeholders for a planned auction of the country's first nuclear power plants. However, the projected timeline for grid integration indicates the government will miss its initial target of having at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of commercially operational power plants by 2032. Mr. Aquino further noted that power generation from nuclear energy could start as late as 2038, depending on the proponent's adherence to best practices and completion of the licensing process, which is estimated to take two years. Construction alone could span several years, making it unlikely for a plant to achieve operational status by 2032. "It will slide a bit from 2032. That much is certain," he said. From approximately 2030 to 2040, nuclear energy capacity is anticipated to grow from about 1,200 MW to 2,400 MW, according to Mr. Aquino. The Philippines is positioning nuclear energy to play a vital role in diversifying its energy mix to meet emission reduction targets and enhance energy security. Last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12305, establishing a national framework for the peaceful and secure use of nuclear energy. This law also created the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), an independent body tasked with overseeing all nuclear and radiation-related activities in the country. Its implementing rules and regulations (IRR) are yet to be issued. "While it's true that the IRR is not yet in place for RA 12305, the government has been continuously preparing the requirements and is ready to assist PhilATOM," Mr. Aquino said. Addressing concerns over the safety of operating nuclear power plants, he emphasized that power generation from nuclear energy will be heavily regulated. "Everybody in this region, in Southeast Asia and in the world will be affected if we do this wrong," he stated. "If a power plant is operated that doesn’t meet the safety, security and safeguard. That’s why we comply with International Atomic Energy Agency rules. That’s why any movement of nuclear fuel or nuclear waste is heavily regulated." Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara highlighted that the issuance of the IRR represents a key milestone in the implementation of the National Nuclear Energy Program. "Beyond defining the mechanics of the tender, it establishes a governance framework that will help ensure that the country’s first nuclear power projects are pursued in a manner that upholds public interest, inspires investor confidence and earns the trust of the Filipino people," she added. Source: BusinessWorld Economy