Is the country ready for nuclear power?

Marlyn T. Pelayo

The government has been searching for reliable, safe and affordable power and one of the possible alternatives to fossil fuel that the government has been considering is nuclear en er gy.

But is the country ready?

There are both advantages and disadvantages of the civilian use of nuclear power, as gleaned from a forum on nuclear energy held last year.

The Department of Energy (DOE) has actually taken a technology-neutral stand on possible solutions to the country’s growing demand for energy and 100-percent electrification.

On the government side, the DOE explained that the department is considering nuclear power because of its capability to provide 75 percent of the country’s base load requirement.

Strong economic growth and rising population will require more energy, plus the need for increased power capacity, according to the DOE. Nuclear energy has proven to be economically viable, highly reliable and may contribute towards reducing the high cost of electricity and carbon dioxide emissions, DOE officials said.

Foreign experts emphasized that a nuclear energy program is a long-term engagement that requires careful planning, preparation and investments in time, finances and human r esou r ces.

While nuclear energy has lesser carbon emissions, the use of nuclear power does not necessarily guarantee the energy security that any country needs.

The public should always be involved; community engagement and involvement is always a good thing. Information dissemination is important to avoid conflicts and opposition if and when a nuclear program is implemented, experts said.

The need for safety and security protocols for the handling and disposal of hazardous nuclear waste, which takes centuries to break down, was also stressed during the forum, reason why a legislative framework has to be in place.

Nuclear energy is a long-term commitment, but the political lifespan of any leader is only six years. There should be an assurance that the laws continue, provide check and balance and appropriations. If our country chooses to enter into a nuclear energy program, officials should make sure that it has enough funds to support and regulate the industry.

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The author is Teacher III at Lolomboy National High School