PHL pushes for nuclear energy development

By Francis Allan L. Angleo

The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a dedicated division to promote and advance nuclear energy in the Philippines.

The newly created Nuclear Energy Division will operate under the Energy Utilization Management Bureau and will be led by Director Patrick Aquino. This division aims to formulate, develop, and implement policies, plans, and programs to promote the utilization of nuclear energy.

The division will coordinate with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and other government agencies to establish a harmonized roadmap, policies, and proposed laws addressing the 19 Nuclear Infrastructure Issues. It will also evaluate applications, permits, and licenses, ensuring strict compliance with existing regulations and standards.

To promote nuclear energy, the division will conduct seminars, training courses, technical briefings, workshops, and focus group discussions nationwide. These activities are part of the Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns on nuclear energy.

The establishment of the Nuclear Energy Division is pursuant to Executive Orders (EO) No. 116 and EO No. 164 issued in 2022, as well as House Resolution No. 134 promulgated last year, which directed the DOE to establish the Office of Nuclear Energy.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed his administration’s commitment to adopting nuclear energy, with plans to have the first nuclear plant operational by 2032.