More than 70 percent of adult Filipinos support the potential rehabilitation of the mothballed 620-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), according to a new government-commissioned survey.
The results, released by the Department of Energy (DOE), signal growing public support as the Philippines weighs nuclear power to diversify its energy mix and secure long-term supply.
The Public Perception Survey on Nuclear Energy in the Philippines showed that more than 70 percent of adult Filipinos trust nuclear energy’s potential as a source of electricity, the DOE said in a statement.
The DOE commissioned local pollster Social Weather Stations (SWS) for the survey, which was conducted from May 6 to 24, 2024, involving 7,520 respondents aged 18 and older nationwide. The survey had a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point.
The survey revealed that more than 70 percent of Filipinos believe nuclear power can deliver reliable electricity, reduce reliance on imported fuels, create jobs, and help fight climate change, the DOE said. Around 76 percent of Filipinos are also eager to learn more about nuclear energy.
It showed that net approval for rehabilitating the BNPP is at plus 66 nationwide, while support for building new nuclear plants stands at plus 45. Support was stronger among higher-income households, younger Filipinos, and those with higher levels of education.
Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the survey results give the government “the confidence to move forward with careful, calibrated steps to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable development of nuclear power in the Philippines.”
The DOE signed a memorandum of understanding with South Korea’s Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co. Ltd. (KHNP) in October 2024 to conduct a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study on the potential BNPP rehabilitation, which is yet to be completed.
The Philippines aims to have 4,800 megawatts of nuclear power in its generation mix by 2040 under the Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.
Following the survey and the recent passage of the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, global nuclear leaders and supply chain experts are scheduled to convene for the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) 2025. The forum will take place from Oct. 2 to 3, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Manila in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Participating countries include Argentina, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, and the United States, all recognized for their experience in nuclear technology, infrastructure, and regulation.
The DOE leads the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), a 24-member panel that assesses and fortifies the Philippine Nuclear Energy Program according to standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency.
