Nuclear energy will have a “very important” role in increasing the country’s power supply and will help in lifting many Filipinos into the middle class by 2040 – the administration’s goal – a Department of Energy (DOE) official said.
In the 7th Nuclear Energy Corporation and Sub – Sector Network (NEC-SSN) Meeting on Monday, DOE undersecretary Donato Ramos said in a speech that the country sees nuclear power as a long-term option for electricity generation.
“The Philippines has always viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for power generation that will provide supply security, stability, and reliability,” Marcos said, as reported by The Manila Times.
“Should this be the path that the country will take, nuclear further diversifies our existing generation mix comprised of coal, natural gas, geothermal, hydropower, oil, wind, biomass, and solar,” he added.
Marcos, who is the chairman of DOE’s Nuclear Energy Program Implementing Office (NEPIO), said that the nuclear energy “will be in support to the thrust of the Philippine Government which is the realization of the Philippine Development Plan’s drive for industrialization and urbanization.”
“It is central for a country towards the path of development to have the available and required the capacity to meet the nation’s increasing demand requirements,” the DOE official said.
The Philippines is currently hosting the said nuclear seminar on Monday until Wednesday, April 19, at Hotel Sofitel in Manila. The seminar will be attended by ASEAN member states, ASEAN Center of Energy and other international organizations.
“The seminar will focus on securing radioactive sources, a grave concern relative to risks to people and the environment,” DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.
Cusi said that the country hopes to gain insights with the seminar as it is going through various studies and capacity building activities aimed to figure out the nation’s position on nuclear energy.
