Green groups say nuclear energy 'risky, harmful' to Philippines

At least two environmental groups opposed the possibility of using nuclear energy in the Philippines as the government is set to start discussions with the United States for a civil nuclear cooperation agreement.

Greenpeace Philippines campaigner Khevin Yu on Wednesday said that nuclear energy is not welcome in the country, saying that it will not work.

“In the context of the discussions between US Vice President Kamala Harris and the Marcos administration on support for nuclear infrastructure, we assert to the US—and other countries or companies planning to offer similar support—that nuclear energy is not welcome and will not work as an energy source in the Philippines,” Yu told GMA News Online in a message.

He said it is “interesting” the US is now undergoing a renewable energy transition but is encouraging the Philippines to “move backwards into adapting an old, issue-ridden technology” of nuclear energy.

He pointed out that nuclear energy brings risks to citizens' health, homes, and quality of life while  renewable energy is an easier, cleaner, and cheaper route.

“Instead of supporting this dirty and dangerous energy source, we urge the US government and, more importantly, the Marcos government, to lead by example and prioritize a just, nuclear-free energy transition to renewable energy,” Yu said.

On Tuesday, the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippines also opposed the plan for a nuclear cooperation initiative.

“With the current state of our energy sector, establishing a nuclear power plant will be risky and harmful to our country,” Center for Environmental Concerns - Philippines research and advocacy coordinator Jordan Fronda told GMA News Online in a message.

“Nuclear energy in the Philippines poses risks of higher electricity prices, lack of nuclear waste facilities, disasters due to frequent earthquakes, and development aggression to local communities,” he added.

Instead of nuclear power plants, Fronda suggested establishing wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal power plants which are more sustainable.

He added that these would not only increase energy affordability, security, and accessibility but also ease the impact of the climate crisis across the globe.

“The government should instead develop more sustainable energy power plants such as wind, solar, hydro, and geothermal in order to increase energy affordability, security, and accessibility, while also helping in the global plight on the climate crisis,” he said.

The Philippines and the US will start talks on a civil nuclear cooperation agreement which will provide the legal basis for US exports of nuclear equipment and material to the Philippines.

According to a fact sheet sent by the US Embassy in Manila, US Vice President Kamala Harris announced that the two countries were initiating the negotiations on the agreement to support expanded cooperation on zero-emission energy and nonproliferation priorities.—LDF, GMA Integrated News