LGUs open to hosting nuclear plants, but need gov't funding - solon

A number of local governments have expressed their willingness to host nuclear power plants to boost the country’s supply and bring down power rates, but this would need appropriations from the national government, a lawmaker said Wednesday.

According to Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark Cojuangco, local governments in the municipality of Labrador in his home district; and Maconacon, Isabela have expressed intent, adding that plants could also be developed in Masbate; Mindoro; and Sorsogon.

“Marami na po ang nagpahayag na interesado silang magkaroon ng nuclear power plant pero may ipinangako po sila sa local population. ‘Yan po ay ‘yung libreng kuryente,” he said during the Kapihan sa Manila Hotel forum.

(Many have already expressed intent to have a nuclear power plant, but they have promised the local population free electricity.)

Cojuangco, who also serves as House Committee Chairperson on Nuclear Energy, said the easiest way to push through with nuclear energy and boost the country’s supply is to develop the facility in Bataan.

“Ang pinakamaiksing paraan para magkaroon ng nuclear sa Pilipinas, apat na taon lang, ay gamitin po ang 100% complete and extremely well built Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, number one,” he said.

“Kung hindi Bataan, kailangan po natin mag-appropriate ng equity, kasi po sa Bataan, nandiyan na po ‘yan eh. Pero kung hindi Bataan, mag-a-appropriate po tayo ng pera,” he added.

(The shortest way to have nuclear energy in the Philippines, just four years, is to use the 100% complete and extremely well built Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, number one. If not Bataan, we will need to appropriate equity because Bataas is already existing. If not Bataan, we will appropriate funds.)

The Department of Energy (DOE) in January identified several potential locations for nuclear power plants including Bataan; Labrador, Pangasinan; Camarines Norte; Puerto Princesa, Palawan; and Masbate.

The DOE previously said the Philippines is eyeing to have commercially operational nuclear power plants by 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts initially entering the country's power mix. This is then targeted to gradually increase to 4,800 megawatts by 2050.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last September also signed into law the creation of an independent agency that will look into safe use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the country. —RF, GMA News