Recurring power shortages and widespread alerts have reignited discussions on nuclear energy as a viable solution, even as neighboring countries ramp up their own nuclear and power generation programs.
Data from Worldometer shows the Philippines produces around 124 terawatt-hours of electricity yearly—less than half the 300 TWh or more generated by Vietnam and Indonesia. This gap underscores the urgent need to diversify energy sources to keep pace with rising demand.
Long sidelined over safety concerns, nuclear power is now being seriously reconsidered, with the Bataan-based Philippine Nuclear Power Plant taking center stage. Completed decades ago but never operated, the facility could broaden the country’s energy mix, though delays risk leaving the Philippines behind as the world shifts toward nuclear energy.
Pangasinan 2nd District Representative Mark O. Cojuangco, who chairs the Special Committee on Nuclear Energy, leads the push to recommission the plant. “Nuclear energy plays an essential role in addressing our growing energy needs. If we keep delaying, we miss building a reliable power source when we need it most,” he said.
Cojuangco cited examples from the United States—Palisades, shut down in 2022 and now being restarted, and Watts Bar, which overcame long delays to remain operational—to show that older facilities can still serve national needs. “We should assess whether our existing plant can safely run, rather than leaving a valuable asset unused,” he added.
Alpas Pinas lead convenor Dr. Gayle Certeza echoed the urgency. “The Philippines cannot afford more delays. We risk falling behind neighbors. Our plant was finished in 1985 and could have been Southeast Asia’s first. Now Bangladesh, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia are moving ahead while we hesitate. We must act to secure our energy future,” she said.
Lawmakers including Representatives Odie Farreila, Olga Kho, Joseph Kim Yu, Coco Yap, Munir Arbison Jr., and Kenneth Gatchalian have backed including nuclear power in the national energy plan. Support also builds around House Bill 08567, or the Philippine Nuclear Energy Act, as the country works toward stronger energy security alongside other nations advancing nuclear programs.
