DOE creates new division for nuclear energy

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) is pushing for the inclusion of nuclear energy in the Philippine energy mix by creating a division dedicated to this source of energy.

The DOE announced on its website the creation of a division tasked to promote, formulate, and implement plans and programs to advance the utilization of nuclear energy in the country.

Quoting the Department of Budget and Management, the DOE said this was pursuant to Executive Order (EO) No. 116 and EO No. 164 issued in 2022 as well as House Resolution No. 134 promulgated last year, which directed the agency to establish the Office of Nuclear Energy.

READ: DOE paves way for nuclear energy adoption

The office, under the Energy Utilization Management Bureau, will be led by director Patrick Aquino and will report directly to Energy Undersecretary Sharon Garin.

The division will craft, develop, and implement frameworks, plans, strategies, and programs to develop and expand nuclear energy.

It will ensure the implementation of security, safety, and safeguards standards and protocols for established nuclear plants.

Likewise, it will coordinate with the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute and other concerned government agencies to come up with a harmonized road map, policies, and proposed laws.

READ: US, Philippines to train Filipinos in nuclear power

It will be responsible for evaluating applications, permits, and licenses and ensuring strict compliance with existing regulations and standards. Furthermore, the division will maintain and update a database inventory of operator applicants and status of applications.

To promote nuclear energy nationwide, the division will conduct seminars, training courses, fora, workshops and focus group discussions.

The Marcos administration has repeatedly expressed its intention to adopt nuclear energy, saying the first nuclear plant in the Philippines would be up and running by 2032. —JORDEENE B. LAGARE