PHOTO CREDIT: American Nuclear Society
In a world increasingly powered by technology, the Philippines is set to take a quantum leap. Top and senior officials from the Department of Energy (DOE) have recently confirmed their ambitious agenda: to achieve a 1,200-megawatt installed power capacity from nuclear resources by 2032, using small modular reactor (SMR) technologies.
DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla, along with Undersecretaries Rowena Cristina Guevara and Sharon Garin, shared these plans with reporters during an interview in Taguig City. The government's commitment to this goal demonstrates its openness to technologies that will meet the country's growing power demands.
In the race to power the future, the Philippines is betting on nuclear technologies. As DOE Secretary Lotilla highlighted, "The commercial rollout of certain nuclear technologies are going to be there... we can start planning for 2032 at the earliest." This statement underscores the country's readiness to embrace SMR technologies and nuclear power as a key energy source.
Undersecretary Guevara, speaking at the B2B Matching to Support Energy Transition (B2B SET), shed light on the specifics of the DOE's plan. The projected 1,200-MW capacity will be derived from eight 150-MW SMRs, marking a significant milestone in the country's energy landscape.
The DOE's Clean Energy Scenario (CES) reveals an even more progressive picture. Beyond the initial 1,200 MW capacity by 2032, an additional 1,200 MW capacity is expected by 2035, and a further 2,400 MW by 2050. This implies a steady increase in nuclear power generation, underlining the country's commitment to clean energy.
In this exciting journey towards nuclear power capacity, the Manila Electric Company has joined forces with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC). The collaboration is focused on exploring the potential of micro-modular reactors in the Philippines, a move that could reshape the country's energy sector.
AboitizPower Corp. is another key player venturing into the nuclear power sector. Their exploration of potential collaborations with NuScale Power Corp. and USNC is a clear indication of the growing interest in SMR technologies within the industry.
Beyond SMR technologies, the country is also considering the viability of conventional nuclear reactors. Undersecretary Garin mentioned that the existing Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) is under review, signifying the country's comprehensive approach to nuclear power.
The DOE is undertaking a comprehensive feasibility study with the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) to evaluate the potential of the BNPP as a future nuclear energy source. This study will be instrumental in shaping the country's nuclear power strategy.
The DOE is currently studying around 12 sites, mostly in the western parts of the country, as potential locations for future nuclear power facilities. This proactive approach ensures that the Philippines is ready to accommodate the infrastructure needed for this ambitious project.
Safety remains a cornerstone of this project. DOE Chief Lotilla emphasized the importance of addressing safety concerns related to nuclear energy technologies before the construction of nuclear power plants. A law on nuclear safety, currently pending in Congress, will set the necessary standards and regulations.
Unveiling the Philippines' ambitious plan to achieve 1,200-MW of nuclear power capacity by 2032. This blog post explores the country's strategy, key partnerships, and measures for safety, signaling a new era of power generation.
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