DOE: Nuclear to Complement, Not Replace, Renewable Energy

The Department of Energy (DOE) clarified that nuclear power will support – not replace – renewable energy sources in the country’s energy transition strategy.

The agency released a draft Department Circular (DC) outlining guidelines for integrating nuclear energy into the Philippine power mix, emphasizing it as a clean, low-carbon baseload option.

“The draft DC simply lays the enabling framework for nuclear to be part of the long-term solution mix should a utility deem it technically and economically viable,” the DOE stated.

The clarification comes as the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act awaits the President’s signature, which will establish the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom) and align national policy with global nuclear safety standards under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Addressing concerns from environmental and energy stakeholders, the DOE stressed that nuclear power is intended to complement variable renewable energy (RE) sources like solar and wind.

“It is meant to support, not compete with, RE,” the DOE said, describing nuclear as a reliable baseload that can provide grid stability as the country increases its RE share.

This direction aligns with the Philippine Energy Plan 2023–2050, which promotes a diversified, secure, and sustainable energy mix by leveraging both indigenous renewables and emerging technologies.

International comparisons cited by the DOE show that the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) from nuclear is competitive with coal and natural gas, particularly over a plant’s extended lifespan.

The department also clarified that the circular imposes no mandatory nuclear procurement and that decisions remain with distribution utilities, subject to government procurement processes and planning guidelines.

Public consultations are ongoing, with comments on the draft DC encouraged through email or the scheduled consultation on July 15, 2025.

“The Department remains committed to ensuring full transparency, regulatory integrity, and adherence to international standards as it develops the policies and infrastructure necessary to responsibly introduce nuclear power into the country’s energy system,” the DOE affirmed.