Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi has asked the country’s safety and health association to study the impact of using modular nuclear power plants.
“If it can be done in other countries with Filipinos working on modular nuclear power plants, why not here in the Philippines?” the energy chief asked.
Cusi administered the oath of office of the new board Mmmbers of the Safety and Health Association of the Philippine Energy Sector Inc., or SHAPES, at the department’s headquarters in Taguig City.
SHAPES is an organization composed of safety, health and environmental professionals.
Cusi asked SHAPES to look into the country’s adoption of modular power plants, some of which are being run in other countries by competent Filipino engineers and technicians.
Cusi also stressed the need to reintroduce a nuclear energy curriculum in the Philippine academic sector.
Cusi earlier said in the event that re-powering the mothballed Bataan nuclear power plant was not feasible, the Philippines could also look into using modular or smaller sized nuclear facilities.
“We can be cautious. We can move with caution so we can start with modular. We have to listen to the experts,” he said.
The department has issued a department order creating the nuclear energy program implementing organization in the DoE.
The NEPIO will produce a comprehensive study and prepare a national infrastructure for the first nuclear power plant.
Cusi, meanwhile, cited a need to ensure the safety and security of all energy-related undertakings whether in the transport of fuel products or in operating and maintaining energy facilities.
“We at the DoE put a premium on ensuring the safety of communities and the environment, especially the energy sector workers,” he said.
“Our manpower in the energy sector is our most important asset as we work with the private sector towards an adequate, stable and sustainable energy supply for our country,” said Cusi.
