DOE holding initial work on nuclear power development

By Alena Mae S. Flores – July 27, 2023, 7:30 pm
from manilastandard.net

The Department of Energy assured Thursday it is holding preparatory work on the entry of nuclear in the power generation mix.

Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said Congress was still considering the nuclear energy law to pave the way for the development of nuclear power projects.

“Right now, the House is still considering its version of the legal and regulatory framework for nuclear. As I have explained in the past, while waiting for Congress, since it is the highest policy making body in the country,” Lotilla said.

“We will have to be involved in making that decision whether or not we opt for nuclear power. Even as we wait, we are doing all the preparatory work, including at sighting and what technology will be used,” he said.

The DOE is looking at an initial 2,400 megawatts of nuclear capacity by 2035 under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023 to 2050.

Under the plan, eight units of 150-MW small modular reactors are expected to be in place by 2032 and an additional 1,200 MW of nuclear capacity by 2035.

Lotilla earlier said the Philippines might have a nuclear facility up and running  “within the decade.”

“Within the decade, I am sure that we can be on, or we can place ourselves on track for that,” he said .

Lotilla said the President’s instructions were clear, including abiding by the requirements of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“There are 19 guidelines or requirements relating to the operation of nuclear power plants, whether conventional or SMR technology. The President’s concern was safety,” he said.

He said the President was also concerned about technology suitability and affordability.

Lotilla said various government agencies were working together, including the Department of Science and Technology, on the plan.

“Congress is working on one important requisite—the legal and regulatory framework. We need a law in place before we can even embark on nuclear development but in the planning process, we are looking at all the alternatives possible,” the energy chief said.

“That is a viable alternative, but right now, all SMRs [small modular reactors] are still in the demonstration stage for their commercial rollout,” he said.