DOE Begins Evaluating Possible Nuclear Plant Sites
- April 3, 2025
The Department of Energy (DOE) is currently looking at possible locations around the country for future nuclear facilities.
Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin shared that the agency has reviewed several areas, including Bulacan, Batangas, Masbate, and Palawan.
The team also plans to visit certain spots in Bataan province to see if they could host nuclear power plants.
Additionally, Garin mentioned that the DOE’s team is considering sites in the southern part of the country, especially on the western side, since the area is less likely to be affected by tsunamis.
Citing metrics such as distance from fault lines, Garin said that many of these locations meet the criteria. However, she stressed that these are not confirmed development sites.
“I don’t want to announce what the specific areas have passed because it might cause some anxiety among people,” she said.
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Operational by 2032
President Marcos aims to have the country’s first nuclear power plants operational by 2032, with an initial capacity of 1,200 megawatts.
During his late father’s presidency, the government constructed the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant. However, the plant never started operations after its completion in 1986 due to allegations of corruption and safety concerns.
According to Garin, construction of the nuclear power facilities must begin by 2028 if the government is to meet its 2032 target.
“If we say four years [for construction], then by 2028, we should be ready to build. That means we have to be prepared from today,” she explained.
Despite some legislative hurdles, Garin mentioned that the country’s nuclear energy plan is still moving forward. In the meantime, the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute is preparing to manage regulations in case of delays.
“They’re assessing their capacity and powers, so if adjustments are necessary, they will be ready for next year,” Garin shared.
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Preparations underway
According to a December 2024 review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Philippines has made “significant progress to address most of the recommendations and suggestions” that the IAEA made during its initial 2018 assessment of the country’s nuclear infrastructure.
Mission team leader Mehmet Ceyhan, Technical Lead in the IAEA Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section, stated that the Philippines has increased the number of organizations in its Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) to 24. Ceyhan added that all the sub-committees of NEPIO are actively involved in implementing relevant activities.
“This indicates the level of commitment of the Philippines to proceed with their nuclear power program,” Ceyhan concluded.
The Energy Undersecretary confirmed that the government is making good progress in its preparations, including carrying out surveys, creating frameworks, and establishing key partnerships, like the 123 Agreement with the United States.
The 123 Agreement establishes the legal framework for potential nuclear power projects with US providers. It is designed to promote cooperation between the Philippines and the US in the safe and secure use of nuclear energy, following the standards and safeguards set by the IAEA, national laws, international agreements, and regulations.
Construction licenses by 2026
Once all legal and regulatory steps are completed, Garin is optimistic that the Philippines can begin issuing construction licenses by 2026.
“The DOE is preparing [the studies], who will off-take this, who’s going to purchase. We’re studying that this year, [and] I think all the private companies are interested,” Garin shared.
The Energy Undersecretary said that Manila Electric Company (Meralco), Aboitiz Power, and Prime Infra have expressed interest.
Sources:
https://business.inquirer.net/516922/doe-begins-assessment-of-possible-nuke-sites
https://mb.com.ph/2025/3/31/doe-west-philippines-seen-as-prime-site-for-future-nuclear-plants
https://tribune.net.ph/2025/04/01/govt-prepares-to-accept-nuke-plant-application
https://www.philstar.com/business/2024/12/29/2410385/philatom-bill-gains-traction-senate
https://doe.gov.ph/press-releases/philippines-and-united-states-signs-123-agreement
