Nuclear energy could be a viable alternative for soaring energy costs, says Alpas Pinas

Non-profit organization Alpas Pinas suggests that nuclear energy could be a viable alternative to address the rising costs of energy and secure the country’s energy future. 

In its media briefing, Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco highlighted the need for a more comprehensive approach to evaluating energy costs. He explained that while levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) provides insight into generation expenses, it neglects critical factors like transmission enhancements and reserve capacity requirements, which significantly impact the overall energy system’s affordability.

“Nuclear energy stands out as a cost-competitive option when both system costs and externalities are considered. Its reliable, low-carbon supply offers a pathway to affordable and sustainable energy solutions, making it an attractive alternative in the Philippines’ energy transition,” said Cojuangco.

A report by Ember reveals that the Philippines relies on coal for 61.9% of its electricity generation, with 80% sourced from imports. This heavy dependence positions the country as Southeast Asia’s most coal-reliant nation in 2023, driving electricity rates to Php 11 per kilowatt hour (kWh), the second highest in the region.

The organization’s Lead Convenor Gayle Certeza supported Cojuangco’s sentiment, saying that as renewable energy adoption expands, associated expenses tend to surge, posing challenges to maintaining a stable and efficient energy infrastructure.

“At least with nuclear, the system costs will be a one-time investment, and there will be no need to create a backup source because the energy source is infinite, making this energy source cheap, that will fuel economic growth,” said Certeza.

In addition to lowering energy costs and strengthening energy security, nuclear energy serves as a catalyst for economic growth by opening up job opportunities across various sectors, such as plant operations, fuel processing, healthcare, and support services.

In a step toward unlocking the Philippines’ nuclear energy potential, legislative efforts are underway with the sponsorship of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano. 

This bill proposes the establishment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), an independent entity dedicated to ensuring the safe and secure use of nuclear energy in the country.

Want to know more about nuclear energy’s benefits? See how it could lower energy costs and boost job creation in various industries by following Power Philippines.