Shifting the Philippines to nuclear power could slash energy costs and cut down from millions of dollars, but bureaucratic delays and vacant leadership roles are stalling the nation’s energy transition, a lawmaker said Saturday.
Rep. Mark Cojuangco (Pangasinan), chairman of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, told DZRH’s Special on Saturday that fuel for a 1,000-megawatt nuclear plant costs just $20 million annually. By comparison, equivalent coal or gas facilities require $400 million in fuel imports.
“‘Yan ang hindi maintindihan ng tao — ‘yung energy density ng nuclear. ‘Yun po ang malaking diperensya,” he said.
The Philippines currently relies on fossil fuels for 75% of its 22,000-megawatt capacity, leaving the economy vulnerable to global price shocks. With electricity demand projected to double by 2040, Cojuangco argued that deploying 16,000 to 32,000 megawatts of nuclear power is a necessity.
However, the lawmaker warned that the legal framework for this transition is already in violation of statutory deadlines.
While President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed the Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act (RA 12305) to create the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), the agency remains leaderless.
Cojuangco noted that the positions of Director General and four deputies remain vacant, preventing the drafting of essential Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).
“Within 180 days after the enactment of the law, dapat nandiyan na po yung IRR. In fact, labag na po tayo sa batas,” Cojuangco said.
The delays extend to the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). Despite being in "excellent condition," according to Cojuangco, a feasibility study agreement with Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power has been stalled for over a year due to technicalities.
Cojuangco urged the immediate appointment of technically qualified leaders to PhilATOM and the passage of the pending Nuclear Integration Bill to provide a clear roadmap for investors.
“Basta klaro ang patakaran ng gobyerno,” he said. “Dire-diretso po yan.”
