The Department of Energy (DOE) continues to push forth its goal of making nuclear energy one of the country’s power sources despite Malacañang’s recent instruction to focus on projects accomplishable by 2022.
In a BusinessWorld report, Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi expresses his desire to start the construction of a nuclear plant before the end of the present administration’s term in 2022.
“Even the plants that we are doing, even the coal [facilities], will not be realized within this administration – but we are preparing that for the 2024, 2027, and 2030 [power supply requirement],” Cusi was quoted as saying in the report.
According to him, holding off the department’s nuclear initiative would mean abandoning a possible source of energy should the next administration decide to sit on the program. Furthermore, he said that the gestation period in building the power plant is long; thus, making it necessary to act now.
“Ito namang nuclear, hindi naman necessary ngayon. But we need this for our energy security for the future,” Cusi expressed.
At present, the department is still, reportedly, awaiting for the Office of the President to sign its national position on nuclear power.
“The President has been discerning what is really good. So pinag-aaralan natin,” Cusi stated.
Should the Malacañang approve DOE’s pro-nuclear policy, the department will proceed to the Congress to seek legal frameworks to support the position.
