Nuclear energy regulator seen functional by 2026
By Alena Mae S. Flores – August 11, 2024, 7:20 pm
from manilastandard.net
Stock photo of a nuclear power plant (Image by Wolfgang Stemme from Pixabay)
The Philippines aims to have a fully operational, independent nuclear power regulatory commission by 2026.
The timeline is in the draft Philippine Nuclear Energy Program 2024-2050 prepared by the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC). The plan is subject to further consultations and input from involved agencies.
The roadmap seeks to establish safety, security and safeguards in the country’s nuclear energy program, from licensing and construction to operation and decommissioning of the nuclear power plant.
“To establish a robust and effective nuclear regulatory body by 2026, capacity building of potential regulatory officers and plant operators — estimated at 7,000 people, including professionals, technicians and craftsmen — will be continuous before and after its creation,” the report said.
The program says capacity building and education for government agencies, the private sector, students and communities will be ongoing and intensified.
“Convergence of domestic capabilities with international sources for the supply chain is targeted before NPP construction starts,” it said.
The program aims to have necessary laws on the nuclear legal and regulatory framework in place by 2025, followed by relevant implementing rules and regulations.
It plans to finalize criteria for micromodular reactors (MMR), small modular reactors (SMR) and conventional nuclear power plants to shortlist possible sites and industries by 2025.
By 2026, necessary government approvals will be in place, including financing and funding for the first nuclear power plant (NPP) project.
“These approvals in 2026 will also cover the extent of government role and participation in the country’s first NPP,” the report said.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and other agencies are expected to issue necessary rules and policies for environmental compliance and protection for NPPs by 2026.
