Nuclear energy will not only provide a stable foundation for the power grid, but also a vital solution for the country’s growing climate challenges, according to a nuclear advocacy group.
Alpas Pinas, a non-stock, non-profit organization dedicated to promoting nuclear energy as a clean and reliable source of power, said nuclear energy could help “stave off climate change.”
“Nuclear energy is not just a clean energy source; it is the key to securing a stable and affordable energy future for the Philippines,” Alpas Pinas lead convenor Gayle Certeza said.”By harnessing the potential of nuclear power, the Philippines could mitigate the impact of climate change and ensure a consistent energy supply amid the “growing severity of extreme weather events.”
Certeza likewise said that nuclear power has the lowest carbon footprint as it produces less CO2 emissions over its lifecycle than any other electricity source, complementing the country’s environmental goals.
“By advancing nuclear energy, we are paving the way for a future where businesses thrive, electricity costs are reduced, and the nation’s energy security is assured,” Certeza said.
Pangasinan 2nd District Rep. Mark Cojuangco echoed these sentiments, saying that nuclear energy could reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuels. Currently, the Philippines is still heavily reliant on fossil fuels, considered the primary contributor to climate change.
Renewables make up only 23.6% percent of the country’s energy mix, according to a 2024 report from the Department of Energy.
“Now is the time for the government to recognize the vast benefits of nuclear energy, not just for environmental reasons but for the economic growth it could bring,” Cojuangco added.
He also emphasized the need to ensure that energy infrastructure is prepared to handle the growing demands of a changing climate.“You cannot be an environmentalist without being an advocate for nuclear energy.”
Under the Philippine nuclear roadmap, the government aims to introduce nuclear energy with a targeted capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) by 2032, and gradually increasing to 4,800 megawatts by 2050.
Divided opinion
While safety is becoming less of a concern because of the emergence of small modular reactors which, Cojuangco said, a large-scale accident would be “nearly impossible,” some environmental groups are still debating about its cost.
Another concern is the disposal of nuclear waste, which can remain radioactive for tens of thousands, or even millions, of years.
This means, nuclear plants will require disciplined operation and monitoring and strong military support knowing how massive its effects can be and even detrimental. The question is they ask is: Can the government secure such facilities knowing the country’s very high risk to natural disasters and even man made threats?
“There is no need for any agreement or deals on nuclear energy,” Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu said in a recent statement. “On top of capital costs and operations, handling and storage of radioactive nuclear waste, as well as costs for dismantling and decommissioning are in the range of billions of dollars and are passed on as a burden to the government and to current and future generations of Filipinos.”
Organization 350.org also noted that the experience of countries with previous or existing nuclear programs show that the construction has gone consistently over-budget, “two to three times higher than what the nuclear industry estimates.”
“A detailed examination of these costs reveal that at all stages of a nuclear power plant’s lifetime and beyond, nuclear power is a losing proposition for the Filipino people,” it said in a statement.
Both groups call on the government to focus more on developing renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, which are already domestically available and accessible to everyone as it can can be installed and maintained by local people.