Let’s go nuclear!

By Herman M. Lagon

Long contested for its advantages and disadvantages, nuclear energy has made a comeback as a potential remedy for the energy crisis facing the Philippines. It’s becoming more and more clear that the country needs a strong, dependable energy solution as brownouts and growing electricity bills plague the country. Now for nuclear power: efficient, clean, and becoming more and more appealing. But the return of nuclear energy needs to be handled carefully, learning from the past and providing a clear, stable path for its acceptance.

A lasting impression was left by the Philippines’ prior experience with nuclear energy, specifically at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). The BNPP was constructed during the Marcos dictatorship, but it was eventually shelved without ever being put into use due to corruption and safety issues. The nation’s continued mistrust of government transparency, environmental concerns, and the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters all contribute to the stigma associated with nuclear energy in the nation. However, as the energy crisis approaches, it’s important to reframe the conversation: nuclear energy may be the solution to the Philippines’ power problems if it is handled with integrity and foresight.

Let’s start by talking about the big issue, which is safety. The worries are well-founded. By definition, using nuclear power is risky. But compared to decades ago, nuclear energy is now far safer and more flexible thanks to technological advancements. For the Philippines, small modular reactors (SMRs) offer a more feasible and scalable option. The risks associated with larger, older plants are diminished by the improved safety features built into these reactors, which can be installed in areas with lower population densities. And Palawan enters the picture at this point.

An excellent site for such a project is the middle of Palawan, an area renowned for its relative political and geographical stability. Far from Bataan’s corrupt past and from the seismic activity that rocks most of Luzon and Mindanao, Palawan offers a neutral ground for nuclear energy to finally take hold in the Philippines. Finding a secure location for a nuclear plant is only one aspect of the issue; another is deciding where to locate this vital infrastructure to reduce risk and maximize potential advantages for the nation.

But the government needs to proceed cautiously before rushing into nuclear energy. One important takeaway from the BNPP fiasco is that politicians cannot be the only ones with access to nuclear power. Should nuclear energy be a component of the Philippines’ energy landscape, it ought to be made available to private establishments via an open and sincere bidding procedure. This guarantees that the project will draw highly qualified, internationally renowned nuclear specialists unaffected by politics, corruption, or unscrupulous behavior. In addition to giving the public confidence, a transparent process would guarantee that people with the necessary skills and experience manage the project.

Apart from its ability to lower greenhouse gas emissions, nuclear energy offers a compelling economic incentive. Because of its reliance on imported fossil fuels, the Philippines has some of the highest electricity rates in Southeast Asia. Reducing those costs might be possible with nuclear power. Furthermore, although clean alternatives like solar and wind power, nuclear energy still has the advantage of being a consistent, reliable power source. That stability is essential for our country to continue growing industrially and economically.

Even so, nuclear energy is not a panacea despite its allure. Adopting radioactive waste needs to be supported by extensive safety rules and infrastructure to manage it, a byproduct that, although small compared to fossil fuels, presents its own difficulties. Before any plant is operational, the Philippine government must work with foreign organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure these systems are in place. The safe integration of nuclear energy into the nation’s energy mix can only be achieved with this degree of diligence.

Beyond the safety and logistics issues, there’s the matter of public opinion. The BNPP’s legacy lingers, and many Filipinos associate the word “nuclear” with anxiety rather than hope. Here’s where having appropriate conversations comes in handy. Public discussions with the government and its partners in the private sector need to be open, factual, and transparent. Education is essential; Filipinos must be aware of the possible benefits and hazards of nuclear energy. After all, fear frequently results from uncertainty.

The move to nuclear energy also offers us, particularly educators, students, and leaders, a great chance to reconsider how we teach energy and sustainability. As a physics teacher at Ateneo de Iloilo before, I facilitated debates about the advantages and disadvantages of different energy sources. My students discussed the pros and cons of coal, diesel, natural gas, geothermal, solar, wind, biomass, and, yes, nuclear power. We acknowledged the risks associated with nuclear energy, especially since we are prone to natural disasters, but we also recognized its unparalleled efficiency and potential to provide stable, clean energy. We’re still debating balancing energy needs and environmental responsibility, so those discussions are relevant today.

Undeniably, the future of energy in the Philippines rests in discernment—rapid reflection, a balanced assessment, and a dedication to the greater good. Making the choice to go nuclear should not be taken hastily or swayed by political pressure. It needs to be based on the facts of the current energy situation while keeping an eye on the future, one in which we will have access to inexpensive, dependable energy that promotes economic development without endangering the environment.

It’s time to overcome the negative perception of nuclear energy and realize its potential—as long as we use it responsibly, openly, and honorably. Our country should have a resilient energy future devoid of the frequent blackouts and excessive power bills that have impeded our advancement for too long. Even though the path to nuclear power is lengthy and full of obstacles, it does provide a route to energy independence that, with careful navigation, can result in a cleaner, brighter future for all of us.

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Doc H fondly describes himself as a “student of and for life” who, like many others, aspires to a life-giving and why-driven world grounded in social justice and the pursuit of happiness. His views do not necessarily reflect those of the institutions he is employed or connected with.