Makati City:Residents in areas identified as potential hosts for nuclear power plants in the Philippines are showing support for the initiative, according to a Department of Energy (DOE) official. The move aims to position nuclear technology as a significant power source in the country.

According to Philippines News Agency, DOE Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick Aquino shared in a media interview that acceptance rates from two surveys range between 60 to 90 percent, varying by location. These remarks were made during the Philippine Nuclear Regulatory Framework Workshop held in Makati City.

Aquino noted the DOE's commitment to ongoing public engagement, highlighting the importance of community support for the success of nuclear power projects. The DOE has identified seven potential sites for nuclear power plants, including locations in Bataan, Palawan, Masbate, Pangasinan, and Camarines Norte. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, completed in 1984 but never operational, is among the considered sites.

The DOE has set ambitious goals for nuclear capacity, targeting 1,200 megawatts by 2032, 2,400 megawatts by 2035, and 4,800 megawatts by 2050. The framework for nuclear safety and regulation is governed by Republic Act 12305, which also established the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Aquino mentioned efforts to expedite the appointment of PhilATOM officials and the development of implementing rules and regulations for the act. The DOE is also engaging with other agencies in this process.

William Magwood, Director General of the US Nuclear Energy Agency, expressed optimism about the Philippines' potential in nuclear energy during the same event. He emphasized the need for local expertise supplemented by international support and acknowledged the regulatory and developmental challenges ahead. Magwood projected that while establishing a nuclear power plant is a lengthy process, it remains achievable within the foreseeable future if progress continues steadily.