DOE mulls nuclear power in energy mix

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is considering introducing nuclear power into the country’s energy mix.

The move is in line with efforts to provide uninterrupted, secure, sustainable, and affordable electricity throughout the country.

“In the spirit of technology neutrality, I decided to reignite the discourse on nuclear power despite its being taboo,” Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The DOE and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) earlier conducted the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission.

The scientific assessment of nuclear is seen to improve the country’s overall Energy Trilemma Index rank, which currently stands 74th out of 125 countries.

Cusi said the Philippines ranked first among 125 countries in the Energy Trilemma Index of the World Energy Council in the last four years, with a renewable energy share of 24.6 percent in the country’s generation mix.

However, the DOE chief expressed his concern over the country trailing behind in terms of energy security and energy equity, which are the two other dimensions of the Energy Trilemma.

The Philippines placed 70th on energy security and 96th in terms of energy equity.

At the onset of the Duterte administration, the DOE has adopted a technology neutral approach to allow the unhindered consideration of all options to achieve the energy goals of the Philippines.

The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review mission serves as the country’s status report to the IAEA of progress made relative to the 19 infrastructure issues that need to be addressed before the Philippines is able to embark on a full nuclear energy program.