DOST ready to assist in talks, plans for nuclear power plant initiatives

DAGUPAN CITY, PANGASINAN – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) on Monday said it is ready to assist in any discussions on tapping nuclear energy in the country.

In a press conference at the 2026 Regional Science and Technology Week for the Ilocos Region, DOST Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. said there should be a specific set of rules to follow to ensure safety in utilizing nuclear energy.

He made the remarks when asked to comment on the plan of some local government units (LGUs) to build nuclear power plants as a source of energy.

Solidum said the agency is ready to assist in any discussions and evaluations regarding nuclear energy.

“At some point, we need to be looking at the use of nuclear energy for power as we strive to be a developed country. We need more power, which is cheaper. And so, as long as we follow the procedures in selecting the site and looking at the technology that will be used, the purpose is always to decide for safety,” Solidum said.

“The first step is to look into the potential hazards and the risks to the area. Hazards and risks assessment also change with time as technology improves and safety is better in the new technology. There will be an independent body to evaluate this,” he added.

Solidum was referring to the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), which was established in September 2025 upon the enactment of Republic Act 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act.

The body will oversee nuclear energy regulation and will be separate from the DOST.

Solidum said this new agency will help them realign their efforts into studying how nuclear energy can instead be harnessed in a beneficial way for the public.

“DOST will be involved in evaluating the hazards and the potential guidance if ever there will be a plan to establish. And from there, a different government organization, the Philippine Atomic Energy, will evaluate if this can be approved or not,” he added.

Earlier this year, the Department of Energy (DOE) said it is considering several areas that can host a nuclear power plant, such as Bataan and Labrador in Pangasinan. — JMA, GMA Integrated News