The Philippines has finalized its talks with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to develop an integrated work plan for the construction of a nuclear power facility in the country.
The discussions with the IAEA are connected to the country’s goal to diversify the energy mix of the Philippines, as well as support the development of the country’s economy for inclusive growth, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
Representing the Philippines were Philippine Ambassador to Austria Maria Cleofe Natividad and Department of Energy Assistant Secretary Gerardo Erguiza, Jr. together with representatives from the Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), as reported in a Manila Bulletin article.
It was revealed that the plan will address various nuclear issues from nuclear safety and security, to legal frameworks, to funding and financing, and to waste management.
The Philippine government is considering nuclear energy as an option to supply a sustainable, stable, secure, and sufficient, accessible, and affordable energy to Filipinos.
Due to talks of nuclear energy in the country, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez expressed his support for the revival of the shelved Bataan Nuclear Power Plant in October.
The Philippines started the construction of BNPP in 1976 and was completed in 1985.
