Tag: clean energy

Meralco Preparing Bid For Nuclear Power License

Meralco Preparing Bid For Nuclear Power License

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The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) announced recently that it is getting ready with its bid for a nuclear power license which is needed I order to operate power facilities with nuclear energy, according to a BusinessWorld news report. This development is a part of the collective effort to make nuclear Philippines a reality.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news report of BusinessWorld. Some parts in boldface…

MANILA ELECTRIC CO. (Meralco) said it is preparing to apply for a license to operate nuclear power facilities in time for the opening up of the application process  next year.

“We’ve been very aggressive on this, (but) we have to comply with the timeline set by the Department of Energy,” Meralco Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Ronnie L. Aperocho told reporters late last month.

Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin has said that applications will be opened up for nuclear energy projects by 2026, overseen by the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Under Republic Act No. 12305, or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, PhilATOM will have sole jurisdiction over the regulation of nuclear energy and radiation sources.

The Philippines is hoping to integrate nuclear energy into the power mix with at least 1,200 megawatts (MW) of capacity by 2032, increasing to 2,400 MW by 2045 and 4,800 MW by 2050.

Ms. Garin has said that several companies have expressed interest in submitting nuclear energy project proposals.

Meralco is looking at small modular reactors (SMRs) when it enters the market. SMRs, each capable of generating up to 300 MW, can be constructed more quickly than traditional nuclear power plants.

Mr. Aperocho said that Meralco is awaiting details of the incentives and the liability profile for proponents, which will influence funding  available for nuclear.

The company is expecting a $2.7-million grant from the US Trade and Development Agency to fund a feasibility study on SMRs.

“Both sides have fulfilled the required conditions. It’s just a matter of formality now…we’re hoping it gets sorted out soon so the grant can start running,” Mr. Aperocho said.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Are you aware that nuclear power plants can create abundant energy that solar and wind power cannot achieve?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DOE-Commissioned Survey Shows More Filipinos Favor Nuclear Power For Electricity

DOE-Commissioned Survey Shows More Filipinos Favor Nuclear Power For Electricity

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The movement towards a safe, nuclear-powered Philippines moved forward slightly as an official survey of the Social Weather Station (SWS) commissioned by the Department of Energy (DOE) revealed that more Filipinos favor the use of nuclear power for electricity, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

A bigger share of Filipinos surveyed for their insights on the potential of nuclear energy as among the sources of electricity in the country favor its use, the Department of Energy (DOE) said Monday.

Citing results of the DOE-commissioned Social Weather Station (SWS) survey on Public Perception Survey on Nuclear Energy conducted on May 6-24, 2025 to around 7,520 adult respondents nationwide, the department said over 70 percent of the respondents “believe that nuclear can deliver reliable electricity, reduce reliance on imported fuels, create jobs, and help fight climate change, while 76 percent of Filipinos are eager to learn more about nuclear energy.”

Survey results also showed that “net approval for rehabilitating the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is at +66 nationwide, while support for building new nuclear plants stands at +45.”

“Support is also stronger among higher-income households, younger Filipinos, and those with higher levels of education,” the press release said.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the strong public support reflected in this survey “tells us that Filipinos are ready to embrace nuclear energy as part of our energy future.”

“This gives us the confidence to move forward with careful, calibrated steps to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable development of nuclear power in the Philippines,” she added.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you personally approve of the use of nuclear power for electricity? Are you convinced that nuclear power is the key to achieving abundant energy for the Philippines in the long-term?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Philippines Takes Major Step Forward With Nuclear Energy Safety Act

Philippines Takes Major Step Forward With Nuclear Energy Safety Act

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The movement towards a safe, nuclear-powered Philippines moved forward again recently when Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., signed into law the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act which formally created the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM), according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of the PNA. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed a law promoting the safe utilization of nuclear energy by creating the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilATOM).

Marcos on Sept. 18 signed Republic Act (RA) 12305 or the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act, providing for a comprehensive legal framework for the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear energy in the Philippines.

Under RA 12305, the PhilATOM is established as an independent and quasi-judicial body with sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control for the safe uses of nuclear energy radiation sources in the country.

“The regulatory functions of all other government agencies with jurisdiction, functions, and authorities with respect to nuclear energy and radiation sources shall be transferred to the PhilATOM,” the law read.

The PhilATOM will be headed by a Director General who will be appointed by the President. According to the new law, the Director General of PhilATOM will serve a five-year term with a Salary Grade of 31 and may be reappointed for successive terms of the same duration.

“The DG shall be responsible for the overall management of the PhilATOM and shall exercise supervision of its administrative, technical, and financial operations,” RA 12305 said.

The PhilATOM is mandated to issue and periodically update regulations, standards, and guides to specify the principles, requirements, and associated criteria for its regulatory judgments, decisions, and actions.

It is directed to establish processes for developing and amending regulations, standards, and guides that include consultation with the public and other interested parties.

RA 12305 prohibits the unauthorized siting, construction, operation, commissioning, and decommissioning of a nuclear or radiation facility; acquisition, production, manufacture, import, export, distribution, sale, transfer, use, storage, or disposal of nuclear or other radioactive materials; use of testing of radiation generators; and radioactive waste management activities.

The law allows the PhilATOM to establish an inspection program and enforcement policy to ensure compliance by authorized parties.

The PhilATOM is mandated to enforce the implementing rules and regulations of RA 12305; assist the national government in the development of national policies and strategies for safe nuclear energy use; and review and assess applications for authorizations for nuclear and radiation facilities and associated activities.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think the details behind the law creating PhilATOM is legally strong and clear? Do you think enough safety measures have already been assured within the Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act? Do you think the establishment of PhilATOM will convince nuclear energy companies in America and France to invest in the Philippines and be part of the establishment of new nuclear power industry?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

International nuclear supply chain forum set for November 13-15, 2024 in Quezon City

International nuclear supply chain forum set for November 13-15, 2024 in Quezon City

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In what could be a boost for a nuclear-powered Philippines, the Department of Energy (DOE) is officially hosting the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) which will take place in Quezon City from November 13 to 15, 2024, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Eyeing to lead Southeast Asia in deploying nuclear energy technology, the Department of Energy (DOE) will host the Philippine International Nuclear Supply Chain Forum (PINSCF) from Nov. 13 to 15.

Happening at Solaire Resort North in Quezon City, the PINSCF will gather local and foreign stakeholders to discuss the latest technology and innovations, as well as share best practices in the nuclear energy industry.

Expected participants in the forum are power generation companies, government agencies, embassies, academia, and other key sectors.

“We are bringing together companies from countries with proven track records in building and maintaining the critical infrastructure needed by the energy sector. This forum will showcase their innovations and best practices, offering the Philippines the opportunity to learn and benefit from their experiences,” the DOE said in a statement Wednesday.

Stakeholders from the United States, Canada, France, Japan, and South Korea, which are among the leading countries in nuclear technology, will provide insights for the Philippines as the government explores nuclear energy for a balanced, resilient, and low-carbon energy system to drive sustainable economic growth.

“As the world transitions away from fossil fuels, each nation is weighing options for achieving energy independence and security. This forum allows us to engage with the global community while ensuring that our own stakeholders are part of the discussions,” the DOE said.

Interested participants should register through http://www.nuclearforumph.com. For more information, participants may contact the Nuclear Energy Program Secretariat via email address nep-iac.secretariat@gmail.com.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you wish to see the entire nation powered by nuclear energy using the latest power-generating technologies found in nuclear-powered small modular reactors (SMRs) and microreactors? Do you realize that nuclear power is more capable on providing the nation abundant energy better than the unreliable solar and wind power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

Nuclear power is key to preventing power shortages in the Philippines

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If the Philippines is to keep growing economically in the long-term, it needs to have abundant energy and that makes nuclear power essential (for related posts, click here, here, here and here). That being said, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) recently stated that nuclear power can prevent power shortages in the country, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI), on Tuesday, May 7, said nuclear energy sources can help prevent energy shortages in the Philippines due to its “capacity factor” and “energy density.”

In a PTV interview, PNRI Executive Director Carlo Arcilla said nuclear power has two factors—energy density and capacity.

Energy density means that even a tiny amount of nuclear fuel, about the size of a finger, contains an incredible amount of energy, he said.

“If you had several tons of coal, it’s that powerful. It’s a very, very concentrated power,” he said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Arcilla cited the second factor, “capacity factor,” explaining that the availability of a nuclear plant is approximately 90 percent of the time.

“When you’re running a nuclear plant, it’s reliably available about 90 percent of the time, regardless of the weather,” he said.

He further explained this by citing the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant as an example, along with other power plants built in the 1980s.

“Similar plants in Slovenia, South Korea, and Brazil have been in operation for 40 years and are even being relicensed for another 20 years,” he said.

“These plants can run for an impressive 18 months straight without needing to refuel. The amount of fuel they require is roughly equivalent to what you’d put in a jeep, and they keep running continuously,” he added.

The PNRI official then emphasized that nuclear energy production produces no emissions, including no carbon dioxide. The cost of running such a plant is estimated to be around 30 million dollars.

If that were compared to a coal plant running for 18 months at 620 megawatts (MW), it would be the same.

“The amount of coal needed would fill 50 Panamax ships. Each Panamax ship carries 50,000 tons. That’s 50 of them. Not to mention the CO2 (carbon dioxide). The cost of importing that coal would be around 800 million US dollars,” he explained

The PNRI is a research and development institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)

Furthermore, Arcilla pointed out that even though nuclear power plants are initially costly to build, they have a lifespan of up to 80 years.

“America, for example, has 94 operating nuclear plants, average age, 60 years. Supplying 20 percent of America’s energy. Many of them don’t even know they have nuclear,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power is the key to ensuring abundant amounts of energy that the Philippines will need to for economic growth as well as the needs of the people? Are members of your local community still living with a fear of nuclear power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

DOE eyes 1,200-MW nuclear power capacity with SMR technologies in the Philippines by 2032

DOE eyes 1,200-MW nuclear power capacity with SMR technologies in the Philippines by 2032

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The path will be long and challenging for the Philippines to become a nuclear-powered nation but the Department of Energy (DOE) remains determined on achieving that goal by the year 2032 with the use of small modular reactor (SMR) technologies that could generate an initial 1,200 megawatts, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

Department of Energy (DOE) top and senior officials said the agency is targeting to get a 1,200-megawatt installed power capacity from nuclear resources using small modular reactor (SMR) technologies by 2032.

This was confirmed by DOE Secretary Raphael Lotilla as well as Undersecretaries Rowena Cristina Guevara and Sharon Garin to reporters in an interview in Taguig City on Thursday.

Lotilla said the government remains open to all technologies that will supply the growing power demand of the country in the coming years.

“(T)he commercial rollout of certain nuclear technologies are going to be there… (W)e can start planning for 2032 at the earliest. From the figures, you can see these are modest figures, 1,200 (MW) by 2032,” the DOE chief.

In her speech at the B2B Matching to Support Energy Transition (B2B SET), Guevara said this potential capacity would come from eight 150-MW SMRs.

She added that under the DOE’s Clean Energy Scenario (CES) 1, the 1,200 MW potential installed capacity for nuclear by 2032 is forecast to have additional 1,200 MW capacity by 2035 and another 2,400 MW by 2050.

Manila Electric Company has partnered with American firm Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. (USNC) to explore the potential of micro-modular reactors in the country.

AboitizPower Corp. is also exploring collaborations with NuScale Power Corp. and USNC in this sector.

Aside from the latest SMR technologies, Garin said the country is studying the viability of conventional nuclear reactors like the existing Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

Garin said the DOE is in talks with the Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Co., Ltd. (KHNP) for a more comprehensive feasibility study for the BNPP.

She added that the feasibility study with KHNP will determine if the government should pursue BNPP as a nuclear energy source in the future.

She said around 12 sites, mostly in the western parts of the country, are being studied for future locations of nuclear power facilities.

Safety first – Meanwhile, Lotilla stressed that the government will ensure that the safety concerns on nuclear energy technologies will be addressed first before putting up nuclear power plants.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction about this recent development? Do you think the both the government and the private sector can make breakthroughs happen to pave the way for a nuclear-powered Philippines? Are there many people in your local community who are still afraid of nuclear energy because of what they saw in movies or TV shows that showed nuclear disasters?  

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

America-Philippines nuclear deal opens opportunities for investments and energy

America-Philippines nuclear deal opens opportunities for investments and energy

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Recently a landmark deal about nuclear power for peaceful purposes was signed between the United States of America and the Philippines which opens up opportunities for investments and energy that the Filipino people can benefit from, according to separate news stories (click here and here) published by the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

To put things into perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA story pertaining to investments. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday (Manila time) expressed elation over the signing of the much-awaited “123 Agreement” on nuclear cooperation between the governments of the Philippines and the United States.

This was after Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken signed the nuclear cooperation agreement that will facilitate the collaboration between the two countries on technical exchanges, scientific research, and initiatives to ensure the safe operation of nuclear power installations.

The agreement was signed on the sidelines of Marcos’ participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco, California.

“I am most pleased to be here today to join you this afternoon to witness another milestone towards a more energy-secure and green Philippines,” Marcos said, noting that the move was in line with his plans to ensure an “affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy supply” for the Philippines.

Marcos expressed optimism that the signing of the nuclear deal would encourage more foreign investors to pursue nuclear power projects in the Philippines.

The nuclear power cooperation, he said, would enable the country to meet its growing energy demands and provide a “more investor- and consumer-friendly environment.”

“The signing of the Philippines – United States Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy or the 123 Agreement is the first major step in this major regard, taking our cooperation on capacity-building further and actually opening the doors for US companies to invest and participate in nuclear power projects in the country,” Marcos said.

The 123 Agreement will establish a legal framework that allows the export of nuclear fuel, reactors, equipment, and special nuclear material from the US to the Philippines.

The agreement will allow the Philippines to use US nuclear technology, not for war, but for energy security and climate goals.

The President noted that apart from the 123 nuclear deal, Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp. also signed a cooperation agreement to undertake a Pre-Feasibility Study on Micro-Modular Reactors (MMRs) to explore clean and sustainable energy options in the country.

Under the agreement, a feasibility study will be conducted for the potential deployment of MMRs to Meralco sites to enforce the sustainable energy agenda and provide affordable and dependable access to power, particularly to the underserved and off-grid areas for economic empowerment.

“I know our companies are eager to advance discussions on potential projects. Just yesterday, the MOU (memorandum of understanding) between Meralco and Ultra Safe Nuclear Cooperation was also presented to me. So, I believe congratulations are in order for the work of our respective negotiating teams, especially to the team from the United States,” Marcos said.

“I look forward to seeing this agreement in action in the years to come. Nuclear energy is one area where we can show that the Philippines-US alliance and partnership truly works, for our peoples, our economies, and the environment.”

For the PNA story pertaining to energy and modular reactors, below is the excerpt. Some parts in boldface…

The historic nuclear cooperation deal between the United States and Philippines would allow the Philippines to secure US-developed nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors.

Manila and Washington D.C. signed the civil nuclear cooperation deal, commonly known as a 123 Agreement, at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in San Francisco on Nov. 16 (US time).

The agreement will facilitate and enhance cooperation on clean energy security and strengthen the two nations’ alliance, the US State Department said.

“With access to US material and equipment, the US and the Philippines will be able to work together to deploy advanced new technologies, including small modular reactors, to support climate goals as well as critical energy security and baseload power needs within the Philippines,” it said.

The signing marks the successful culmination of the negotiation process launched by Vice President Kamala Harris during her trip to the Philippines in November 2022.

The deal, the State Department said, also spells out limitations on enriching, reprocessing, and transferring specific items without the other party’s consent.

“This agreement lays out a comprehensive framework for peaceful nuclear cooperation between the Philippines and United States based on a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation and is required by US law to allow for the transfer of nuclear equipment and material for peaceful uses,” it said.

The name 123 Agreement is derived from Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act, which requires the US to have an agreement with a country before it can conduct nuclear export.

Section 123 establishes nine nonproliferation criteria that 123 Agreements must include and signatories must uphold.

Last May, US nuclear energy firm NuScale Power Corporation has expressed interest to invest in the Philippines and bared its plan to conduct a study to locate a site in the country.

Oregon-based NuScale is known for developing a small nuclear power system, described as safe, modular and scalable.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about these recent developments? Can you imagine what a nuclear-powered Philippines would be like in the years to come? Are there still people in your local community who are afraid of anything related to nuclear power? Do you admire the efforts of the Marcos administration when it comes to modernizing the Philippines with nuclear technology and power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Nuclear Philippines effort moves forward some more

Nuclear Philippines effort moves forward some more

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The potential future of the Philippines adapting nuclear power that will generate clean and abundant energy for the needs of the people and businesses moved a few more steps forward thanks to two key meetings involving the group of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., and notable energy firms, according to a news article by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). This is the latest in the Marcos administration’s effort to adapt nuclear power for the Philippines (click here and here).

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the PNA news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is considering using a “cutting-edge” micro nuclear fuel technology to address the country’s power woes, Malacañang said Tuesday.

Marcos met with officials of US-based Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation (USNC), a vertical integrator of nuclear technologies and services in Washington.

In a news release, the Presidential Communications Office said the Marcos administration has made it a top priority to ensure an unhampered supply of energy alongside the promotion and utilization of renewable energy sources.

Francesco Venneri, CEO of Ultra Safe Nuclear Corporation, expressed interest to bringing clean and reliable nuclear energy to the Philippines, which the firm is seriously considering for its first nuclear energy facility in Southeast Asia. Venneri also vowed to help address the series of blackouts that hit several areas of the country.

The Marcos administration earlier swiftly acted on the power crisis in the provinces with the operation of at least three more power stations to provide 24-hour electricity power service.

“We also note that there’s a great deal of discussion about Mindoro having blackouts and that might be an excellent….a good science [solution],” said Venneri.

The micro modular reactor (MMR) energy system is a fourth-generation nuclear energy system that seeks to deliver safe, clean and cost-effective electricity to users, according to USNC officials.

The MMR is being licensed in Canada and the US and considered the first “fission battery” in commercialization.

The company anticipates eventual heavy demand for its MMRs and its nuclear fuel and envisions the Philippines as its nuclear hub in the region.

Earlier, Oregon-based NuScale Power Corporation expressed interest to invest in the Philippines after a meeting with Marcos in Washington.

The PCO said that NuScale, which is known for developing a safe modular, and scalable small nuclear power system, is expected to invest USD6.5 billion to USD7.5 billion (PHP415.5 billion) to provide 462 megawatts to the country by the early 2030s.

It is clear President Marcos is seriously working to solve the nation’s fragile power supply with a focus on nuclear power and related technologies as potential solutions. Compared to nuclear power, solar and wind power are both unreliable. Those two forms of clean energy – which are the favorites of climate change zealots and Leftists – cannot generate the abundant energy that nuclear power could provide.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think that nuclear power in the Philippines will be realized in your lifetime? Do you think it will happen during the term of President Marcos?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

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President Marcos reaches out to France for strategic partnership on nuclear energy

President Marcos reaches out to France for strategic partnership on nuclear energy

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As you should know by now, I personally favor the use of nuclear power as a key source of abundant energy for the entire Philippines (read my posts by clicking here and here). Nuclear power can produce very high amounts of energy required to power the economy and society and there is no way that solar and wind power could achieve that. Nuclear energy is the answer for the energy requirements of the Philippines and I am really glad that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., reached out to French President Emmanuel Macron and specifically sought nuclear energy partnership during their high-level talk recently in Thailand, as reported by the Philippine Star.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the Philippine Star news article. Some parts in boldface…

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said he sought a partnership with France on nuclear energy during a bilateral meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Thailand.

“I’m very confident that it will be a strong partnership simply because they have up to 67 percent of their power production is from nuclear energy so they are very, very used to it,” Marcos said, according to a release from Malacañang.

Marcos said he wanted to talk to Macron about energy because of France’s use of nuclear power, a controversial energy source that the Philippine president had long advocated for.

On the campaign trail, Marcos said the Philippines should look into reviving the 621-megawatt Bataan Nuclear Power Plant — a venture by his despot father and namesake which was mothballed in 1986 because of safety concerns.

During his first State of the Nation Address, Marcos reiterated his determination to adopt nuclear power, saying “it is time to re-examine our strategy towards building nuclear power plants.”

For some added insight into the Marcos-Macron meeting, watch the videos below…

In my honest opinion, it is high-time for the Philippines to move forward with enhancing the entire national power grid by using nuclear power. To invest tons of money on wind and solar power will only produce minimal new energy and the fact remains that the said two types of energy are unreliable. On the social aspect of nuclear energy, I encourage my fellow Filipinos reading this to stop being fearful about anything nuclear and pay close attention to the latest in nuclear power technology, specifically with small modular reactors (SMRs). Learn about them by clicking here and here.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development about the Philippines reaching out to France for a nuclear power partnership? Are you glad that President Marcos specifically sought partnership during his bilateral talk with the President of France?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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High time for Philippines to use nuclear power to ensure clean, abundant and affordable energy for the people

High time for Philippines to use nuclear power to ensure clean, abundant and affordable energy for the people

carlocarrasco

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the other economic and geopolitical developments related to it caused oil prices to spike. Here in the Philippines, the latest round of fuel price hikes resulted in diesel averaging around P65 per liter while unleaded gasoline is now past the P70/liter mark. Inevitably, the spike in crude oil prices will lead to a series of increases on food, transportation, delivery services, electricity and more.

Inflation really affects everyone and as far as the Philippines is concerned, the timing is really bad because Metro Manila and other parts of the country under Alert Level 1 status is experiencing a revival of commerce and increased number of people moving around. Along the way, the national average of new COVID-19 cases has been averaging in the hundreds the past several days.

Times like these, major decisions on ensuring abundant, clean and affordable energy for the Philippines are needed. In relation to this, President Rodrigo Duterte recently signed a major executive order (EO) that includes nuclear power for the country’s energy mix, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

To put things in perspective, posted below is the excerpt from the PNA report. Some parts in boldface…

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Executive Order (EO) 164 that now includes the potential of nuclear power in the country’s energy mix.

Released on Thursday, EO 164 was signed by the Chief Executive last February 28.

“This policy is the start of the national nuclear power program,” said Department of Energy (DOE) Undersecretary Gerardo Erguiza Jr. in a press conference.

Under the new policy, it stated that the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability”.

Duterte issued the policy following the recommendation of the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), which conducted a pre-feasibility study and public consultation on the matter.

Through EO 164, the Chief Executive has recognized that nuclear power can be a reliable, cost-competitive, and environment-friendly source of energy based on the experience of highly developed countries.

“For the country to achieve its sustained growth targets, it must ensure that it has a reliable, secure, sustainable, quality and affordable electricity supply, including sufficient reserve to guarantee that there will be no disruptions in the power supply,” the policy read.

It added the use of nuclear energy will address the increasing demand for clean energy, rising by 4.4 percent annually, or an additional capacity of 68 gigawatts by 2040.

The EO still included the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP) in the national nuclear program, but other nuclear power installations will be pursued.

The BNPP was the only nuclear power plant in the region during the 1980s, as the Philippines was one of the first Southeast Asian countries to embark on a nuclear energy program.

However, the project was mothballed because of corruption allegations and safety concerns on the use of nuclear energy.

A study conducted by Russia State Atomic Energy Corporation (ROSATOM) in 2017 said the rehabilitation of BNPP will require around USD3 billion to USD4 billion.

The public is also becoming more open to the potential of nuclear energy.

“(A) Public Perception Survey on Nuclear Energy in 2019 indicated that almost 79 percent of Filipinos expressed approval or acceptability of the possible use or rehabilitation of an existing nuclear power plant,” the EO said.

The above report ended stating that 65% (of those who took the survey) approved the construction of new nuclear power plants and 78% are open to learning more about nuclear energy.

Of course, there is still this long-lasting fear and paranoia about nuclear power being too dangerous for the Philippines to have. Nuclear-related disasters like the one in Fukushima (2011) and Chernobyl (1986) are still remembered and there are also lots of anti-nuclear activists who continue to make noise.

No matter what those climate change extremists, social justice warriors (SJWs), modern day socialists and anti-nuclear power activists say, nothing changes the fact that nuclear power is the answer to meet nations’ constant demand for energy that is also clear, abundant and cost efficient. Watch and learn from the videos below…

Going back to the executive order Duterte signed, Albay Representative Joey Salceda (who is the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee) and presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. support nuclear power gave their respective reactions (click here and here).

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What do you think about nuclear power as an added option for the Philippines energy mix? Are you still worried about nuclear power being too dangerous because the people who oppose it scared you? Are you able to tell if the anti-nuclear activists have been spreading lies and misinformation just to manipulate you to oppose nuclear power?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/