Aboitiz Power Corporation recognizes nuclear energy playing a pivotal role in the Philippines’ energy landscape, it is only a matter of when.
In a report by the Philippine Star, Aboitiz Power’s Chief Operating Officer of the Thermal Business Group, Felino Bernardo, believes that large nuclear facilities, small modular reactors (SMRs), and micro modular reactors (MMRs) all have a place in the country’s economy due to the varying energy needs.
The challenge lies in aligning available technologies with current needs while ensuring safe and timely implementation.
Bernardo further explained that the initial decision was whether to utilize existing facilities, such as those in Bataan, or opt for the construction of new nuclear plants.
However, the chief operating officer insisted that the Philippines would inevitably need to consider SMRs or MMRs, likely by the early 2030s, as nuclear power is expected to become a substantial part of the country’s energy mix. It’s a matter of adopting the specific technology needed at the moment.
Meanwhile, Aboitiz Power is actively advancing its understanding of nuclear energy as it seeks to introduce this energy source to the Philippines. The company believes that nuclear energy is a potential source of dependable and environmentally friendly baseload power.
Bernardo emphasized that the first step in this direction involves amending or enacting the necessary laws, which are currently under consideration in the Lower House.
