PHL hosts nuclear energy meeting

By Lenie Lectura – April 17, 2017 

from Business Mirror

The Philippines is hosting this week’s 7th Nuclear Energy Cooperation and Sub-Sector Network (NEC-SSN) Meeting, in which the Philippines hopes to gain insights amid plans to pursue nuclear energy.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi described as “very timely” the Philippines’s  hosting of the three-day meeting, from April 17 to 19, as his office is now undertaking various studies and capacity-building activities aimed to determine the nation’s position on nuclear energy.

“The seminar will focus on securing radioactive sources, a grave concern relative to risks to people and the environment,” Cusi said.

The actual meeting of Asean member-states (AMS) that are part of the SSN will take place this Wednesday.

Starting the three-day activity of the NEC-SSN is the seminar on security of radioactive sources organized by the Asean Center of Energy (ACE), in partnership with the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Non-proliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN) of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA).

Energy Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos said the Philippines has always viewed nuclear energy as a long-term option for power generation that will provide supply security, stability and reliability.

“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 said, adding that nuclear energy will be in support to the thrust of the Philippine government, which is the realization of the Philippine Development Plan’s (PDP) drive for industrialization and urbanization.

“I am optimistic that the objectives of this seminar will be achieved with your utmost support. Our participation here today indicates that we value regional and international cooperation on nuclear and radioactive materials security. And the most effective way for us to learn is to hear out from the experiences of our fellow member-states and from the experts,” Marcos said.