For decades, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant has been laying dormant since the 1980's and along with the rising problems in the country's power supply, this could be a lifesaver for the Energy Commission and the Filipino consumers.
The country's energy grid has mainly been powered by coal and diesel power plants for decades and along with the rising prices of crude oil because of the ongoing blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the national energy emergency stated by the President regarding the crisis of hiking oil prices and this means that the county's consumer market is going to change and will increase the price of goods, power, transport, production, and many more. This is quietly indicating that the Philippines is vulnerable and the economy is on its tippy toes as the war is still lingering in the Middle East.
Along with the dependency of the Philippines on oil as the main power source, many Filipino consumers are complaining about the spiking prices of their electricity bills and especially this summer season, power consumption is at an all-year high. The demand for more energy options is being discussed as the country seeks ways to decrease our dependence on imported fuel and mainly rely on renewable and sustainable energy.
With the possible re-opening of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, this could lead to huge advantages as this is not just an alternative, but a strategy. Atomic power is renewable, sustainable, and stable in power output therefore it could constantly supply technology companies and maintain their servers online for the citizens convenience and undoubtedly improve the economy and innovate in the field of science with the contribution of atomic energy.
Furthermore, this could produce many jobs for the Filipino scientific community strengthened with the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act (RA 12305) citing the demand of scientists and technicians as opening the power plant is not a one-man job, a team is required for this operation and the demand for these jobs are at an all-time high and this could further push us into the scientific community in innovation along with developing countries.
Along with these benefits is the possibility that we would become less dependent on imported crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Another situation like the Hormuz Blockade will not severely affect the country, and prices would become more stable, while everyday goods would become cheaper as options for electric vehicles are now a new trend in the Philippines, and many electric cookwares are now in millions of households.. Therefore, the country should not have to worry about oil shortages ever again.
Even though we are the only country in Southeast Asia to have a nuclear power plant, many people are doubting the safety of the power plant as many are comparing it to the Chernobyl and Fukushima disasters. However, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), many countries like the United States, Japan, India, and South Korea have nuclear power plants, and with the compliance of safety standards, there have been no incidents within these countries. Moreover, the incredible management and handling of these types of energy sources make it very unlikely for an incident like Chernobyl to occur.
Even though the nuclear option is the best choice, the Philippines has only one nuclear power plant and it can only supply 4,800 megawatts according to the Department of Energy (DOE). At this capacity, it could only power a third of Luzon. But how about the whole country? It will cost the government billions of dollars of taxpayer money just to make ends meet with nuclear energy.
In other words, it could only reduce the cost for nearby areas and not the Philippines as a whole. Along with the situation that there is no law or bill that establishes nuclear energy in the country, the only law currently in place serves as an assurance to the public.
Instead, the government should manage the energy produced by the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and should invest in other options like geothermal, wind, and wave energy these resources are abundant here in the country. Additionally, the funds allocated for nuclear energy should be spent effectively and should be used to construct facilities in the outskirts of towns or cities where electricity is heavily demanded, making renewable energy the primary power source of the country.
Written by Ronnel Pondevida
Ronnel Pondevida is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
