PhilATOM Bill Pushed to Regulate Nuclear Energy Use

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is pushing for the creation of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM) to ensure the safe, secure, and peaceful utilization of nuclear energy in the country.

The proposed measure, Senate Bill No. 2899 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, was filed under Committee Report No. 429 on Dec. 10, 2024.

Cayetano emphasized that the bill is focused on establishing a regulatory framework for nuclear energy, not on building nuclear power plants.

“Doon sa mga may agam-agam, may doubt sa nuclear power plant at nuclear energy: this bill is not to put up a nuclear power plant. It’s precisely to have the institution and the right people to be able to assess the use of nuclear energy in our country,” Cayetano said.

PhilATOM would serve as an independent regulatory body with the authority to create policies, enforce safety standards, inspect facilities, and oversee the handling, transport, storage, and disposal of radioactive materials.

The bill incorporates provisions from existing laws and international guidelines to strengthen oversight and ensure public health, safety, and environmental protection.

It also establishes penalties for unauthorized handling or misuse of nuclear materials, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy on violations.

Additionally, PhilATOM would be tasked with developing a national plan for off-site nuclear or radiological emergencies, coordinating with disaster response frameworks, and aligning with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Cayetano stressed the potential of nuclear energy in addressing climate change and advancing fields such as medicine and agriculture.

“Nuclear energy can play a key role in ensuring energy security and achieving sustainable development,” he said.

The proposed bill has garnered support from scientists, energy experts, and policymakers who view it as critical to modernizing the country’s energy sector while maintaining stringent safety protocols.

Meralco’s Foray into Nuclear Energy

The push for PhilATOM aligns with growing interest from major energy players like the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), which has recently signaled plans to explore nuclear energy as part of its diversification strategy.

Meralco is in the early stages of assessing the viability of small modular reactors (SMRs), which offer a safer and more scalable approach to nuclear energy compared to traditional reactors.

In a statement earlier this year, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan emphasized the company’s commitment to exploring innovative and sustainable energy sources to meet the country’s growing electricity demand.

“While renewable energy remains a priority, we are also open to nuclear energy as a potential long-term solution to address baseload energy needs and achieve energy security,” Pangilinan said.

Meralco is reportedly in discussions with international nuclear technology providers and consulting with experts on the regulatory, technical, and financial aspects of nuclear energy deployment.

The integration of nuclear energy into the Philippines’ energy mix is seen as a way to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Cayetano assured the public that stringent safety measures, transparency, and accountability would be integral to the proposed regulatory framework to address concerns about nuclear energy.

“For the purpose of passing this bill, we’ll try as much as possible to separate it so that hindi tayo ma-delay… I’ll really try to get it on the floor ASAP,” Cayetano added.

The bill is expected to undergo further deliberation in the Senate during the current session.

If passed, it will lay the groundwork for responsible and safe integration of nuclear energy into the Philippines’ energy mix, ensuring the country’s energy needs are met while protecting public health and the environment.