DOE identifies, assesses potential nuclear plant sites in 5 provinces

The Department of Energy (DOE) has identified and assessed potential nuclear power plants sites located in five provinces across the country as the Philippines prepares for its foray into nuclear power generation.

In a statement issued Thursday, the DOE said possible nuclear plant sites are in Bataan, Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte.

These sites have undergone initial assessment, complemented by the International Atomic Energy Agency’s (IAEA) Site and External Events Design Mission to strengthen the technical basis for future site selection, according to the Energy Department.

The sites inspection form part of the country’s preparations for the “next stage” of its nuclear energy program.

In particular, DOE Undersecretary Giovanni Bacordo said the government is systematically addressing the infrastructure requirements under the IAEA’s Milestones Approach as the country advances its preparations toward “Phase 2.”

Under the IAEA Milestones Approach, Phase 1 covers the considerations necessary before a country makes a knowledgeable commitment to a nuclear power program, while Phase 2 focuses on developing the infrastructure necessary to invite bids or negotiate a contract for a nuclear power project.

As part of its Phase 2 preparations, the government is studying potential funding and financing pathways, including public-private partnerships, consortium arrangements, build-own-operate models, and vendor-supported mechanisms.

The Energy Department said it is now focusing on remaining work across the IAEA's 19 nuclear infrastructure issues, with priority areas covering electrical grid readiness; safety, security and safeguards; legal and regulatory requirements; emergency preparedness; nuclear fuel cycle and waste management; stakeholder involvement; and nuclear workforce development.

Meanwhile, key progresses under Phase 1 include the establishment of the government's national position on nuclear energy through Executive Orders Nos. 116 and 164, strengthened international cooperation through the 123 Agreement with the United States and the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant feasibility study with South Korea, and continued implementation of recommendations under the IAEA Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR).

During its December 2024 follow-up INIR Mission conducted in Manila, the IAEA concluded that the Philippines had made significant progress in addressing the recommendations and suggestions from the 2018 mission, with the country having fully addressed nine of 14 recommendations and 10 of 13 suggestions.

The DOE said the government has also stepped-up engagement with the nuclear industry and potential investors through initiatives such as the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum, strengthening links with technology providers, developers, financiers, and other participants in the global nuclear supply chain.

Legal and regulatory framework were also formed such as the Republic Act No. 12305 provides for the establishment of the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), while the DOE is pursuing measures to streamline nuclear power plant licensing and establish the policy framework for a pioneer nuclear power project.

“Nuclear energy is not simply about deciding to build a power plant. We must build the institutions, the regulatory system, the technical capability, the financing framework, and the public confidence to support it. Our progress shows that the Philippines is putting those foundations in place,” said Bacordo.

The DOE noted that public acceptance of nuclear energy has also increased, with Social Weather Stations surveys showing approval rising from 79 percent in 2019 to 82 percent in 2024.

The agency said it is also working toward the finalization of its Phase 3 roadmap, which will cover the infrastructure necessary for the country to be ready to commission and operate its first nuclear power plant.

“The objective is clear: to make sure that when the Philippines moves forward, we are institutionally, technically, financially, and regulatorily ready to do it safely and responsibly,” said Bacordo. — RSJ, GMA News