AboitizPower supports nuclear plants

The Department of Energy (DOE), AboitizPower Corp., and National Power Corp., are studying a proposed memorandum of understanding to undertake a comprehensive feasibility study on potential nuclear plant sites nationwide.

This developed as Aboitiz Power Corp. is supporting the government’s push to integrate nuclear power into the country’s energy mix by helping identify potential sites for development.

The study will cover candidate locations across the country, including the long-mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.

The DOE said the proposed cooperation seeks to advance an evidence-based, internationally aligned approach to nuclear energy development.

“Anchored on the country’s nuclear energy plan and roadmap, the initiative reflects the Philippines’ continuing efforts to explore safe, secure and sustainable nuclear energy options as part of the long-term energy mix beginning 2032,” the DOE said.

Through the study, AboitizPower and the government intend to assess site suitability, safety, security, regulatory readiness and infrastructure requirements in line with International Atomic Energy Agency standards.

“Through strategic collaboration among government and private sector stakeholders, the DOE continues to advance long-term energy security, energy resiliency and clean energy development for the benefit of the Filipino people,” the DOE said.

Under the Philippine Energy Plan, the country aims to have at least 1,200 megawatts of commercially operational nuclear capacity by 2032 and scale this up to 4,800 MW by 2040.

Nuclear plants are considered a baseload power source, which can operate continuously and provide an uninterrupted supply of electricity.