Nuclear eyed as long-term power solution

Nuclear energy could provide the Philippines with a stable source of electricity as the country seeks to reduce its heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels, according to a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) fellow.

Mark Aliperio said nuclear power could complement renewable energy sources such as solar, which he noted have limitations, particularly in providing continuous electricity.

“Nuclear energy could be a good backup since it could run 24/7 for about 18 months. This is not an instant solution, but a long-term solution,” he said in a Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon interview.

Aliperio stressed that the country needs to develop a reliable power mix rather than depend on a single energy source.

The Philippines currently has no operating nuclear power plant, but the DOST is preparing technical capabilities and potential future workers through its Nuclear Plant Simulator (NuSim) and Analyzer Facility project, established in 2025.

Aliperio, who heads the project, said the facility allows trainees to simulate the operation of a nuclear power plant, including how operators would respond to various conditions and technical problems.

“The simulator prepares future operators for possible conditions or glitches,” he said.

The facility has already conducted several training courses for more than 200 participants since its establishment.

Aliperio said the initiative is part of efforts to build the human-resource capacity needed should the Philippines eventually pursue nuclear power as part of its long-term energy strategy.