President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. is urged to develop a pool of experts in nuclear technology and ensure the safe implementation of nuclear energy if it is to be a significant part of the country’s energy mix, economists advise.
In a report by Business World, Leonardo A. Lanzona, an economics professor at Ateneo de Manila University, emphasized the importance of safety in nuclear energy, saying that it’s crucial to develop training centers for those who will work in the study and research centers and the nuclear power plants to develop the expertise needed to maximize the utilization.
The Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, also known as the 123 Agreement, between the US and the Philippines, entered into force on July 2. This agreement, signed in November, provides a legal framework for the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and components from the US to the Philippines.
However, Jose Enrique A. Africa, executive director of the think tank Ibon Foundation, expressed concerns about the economic viability of nuclear energy compared to renewable sources. Africa said that nuclear energy may be more expensive than renewable energy, adding that limited local expertise and technology may limit the ability to assess and monitor “risky foreign factor.”
Africa suggested that the government might be better off focusing on renewable energy systems, which are safer, cheaper, and offer the potential for developing indigenous capacity.
Energy Director Michael O. Sinocruz indicated that the 123 Agreement would facilitate collaboration with US experts to evaluate the Philippines’ capacity to implement a nuclear energy program.
An inter-agency committee on nuclear energy is working on a roadmap for the implementation of nuclear energy in power generation, according to Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevarra.
Africa also cautioned that the pursuit of nuclear energy should not compromise national interests.
Nuclear Energy has been carefully planned and about to be implemented by the former President FM for almost 5 decades ago. Let’s bring it on NOW as the demand increases in order to catch up with the rest of the world in “economic growth”