Nuclear energy viable as long-term source of power, says Cusi

The use of nuclear power can be a viable long-term energy option for the Philippines based on results of a technical cooperation with International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to be submitted to President Duterte, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said.

The Department of Energy had a bilateral meeting with officials of IAEA, headed by its director general Yukiya Amano, which “comes at an opportune time as the DOE will submit its recommendations to President Duterte on the country’s position on the civilian use of nuclear technology following a series of technical cooperation with IAEA,” the energy chief said.

“Based on the technical assessment, the use of nuclear technologies, including nuclear energy, is seen as a longterm energy option for the country. The possible inclusion of nuclear power in the current energy mix is consistent with the national policy towards a technology-neutral energy sector,” Cusi said.

Part of the DOE’s recommendations on the country’s national position included the results of the energy planning studies implemented under IAEA’s Technical Cooperation Projects, namely: PHI 2011 Assessing the Development of a Nuclear Power Program in the Philippines for 2016-2017 and PHI 2016 003 Development of Nuclear Infrastructure in the Philippines, Phase II for 2018-2019.

The meeting also discussed the scope of IAEA’s work and its role in assisting memberstates in attaining the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the use of nuclear science technology for socioeconomic development in the country.

Aside from the ongoing technical cooperation, the DOE presented its activities concerning the crafting of a national position.