The revival of the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant is back on the table, again.
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) and South Korea’s Samsung Corporation Engineering and Construction (Samsung C&T) signed a memorandum of understanding during the Philippines-Korea Business Forum in Manila.
The MOU will enable both parties to discuss details to significantly improve the energy system in the country. Some of the key elements included are:
- Technical design and capabilities of nuclear technology.
- Prevailing regulatory framework.
- Energy landscape.
- Necessary grid infrastructure.
A pilot demonstration project may be deployed as part of the nuclear power development and a feasibility study to determine the chances of reviving the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant.
The MOU seems to focus on expanding the nuclear capacity of the country from the initial 1,200 megawatts by 2032 to 2,400 MW by 2035 and 4,800 by 2050, as per the Philippine Energy Plan.
Earlier, Meralco signed an MOU with another South Korean company, Doosan Enerbility Co. Ltd, to develop low-carbon power projects. Under this MOU, the two will explore the deployment of nuclear power facilities and the rehabilitation of the BNPP.
Of course, not everyone agrees on bringing back the BNPP. Senators recently urged the government to build modern power plants to avoid dangers linked to this old power plant.
Although risky, nuclear energy is cheaper to run compared to fossil fuel energy sources. Nuclear power plants only come with expensive upfront costs but they can last a lifetime and can bring down energy costs across the country.
If gigantic nuclear power plants are not feasible, the government can go for more manageable small modular reactors, applicable for both rural and urban areas.
