Philippines to host nuclear power conference

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines will host a nuclear energy conference next week, bringing nuclear power experts across Asia-Pacific to discuss prospects for nuclear power in the region.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) Conference from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Diamond Hotel in Manila will be spearheaded by the Department of Energy (DOE), together with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and the National Power Corp. (Napocor).

“Member-states in the Asia-Pacific region will gather to discuss common issues and challenges related to the introduction of a nuclear power program,” the DOE said.

A total of 18 IAEA member-states will participate in the conference, namely Bangladesh, Canada, Finland, Indonesia, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates, the US, Viet Nam and the Philippines.

The DOE said topics to be tackled in the conference include fostering an international cooperation in nuclear programs, global status and prospects, legal frameworks, atomic waste management, funding and financing, human resource development and capacity building, social communication for public understanding and even environmental considerations.

Hosting the nuclear power conference is part of the country’s commitment in exploring all alternative energy resources to ensure supply security and stability, the DOE said.

“The DOE mandate is to ensure a reliable, stable, sustainable, secure and reasonably priced energy,” it said.

In May, former DOE secretary Zenaida Monsada said hosting the forum was suggested by the IAEA for Asia- Pacific to form a nuclear policy and direction for the region.