DOE: Signed deal allows transfer of nuclear materials between US, PH

Department of Energy (DOE)

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Energy (DOE) has announced the official entry into force of an agreement allowing the transfer of nuclear materials and components between the Philippines and the United States.

The Agreement for Cooperation Concerning Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy, commonly known as the 123 Agreement, between the two countries, became effective on July 2, 2024. It was signed in San Francisco on November 16, 2023.

READ: PH-US civil nuclear energy pact enters into force

In a statement on Tuesday, Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla said that the agreement aims to provide for the safe and secure use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes and is beneficial in facilitating Philippine-US cooperation in adhering to the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“The 123 Agreement will pave the way for the transfer of information and expertise, nuclear material, equipment, and components directly between the Philippines and the US or through persons authorized by their respective authorities to engage in transfer activities, which will support potential nuclear power projects with US providers,” Lotilla said.

He also said that the country’s nuclear energy program that outlines key targets for the success of using nuclear energy for power generation is now being finalized by the Nuclear Energy Program-Inter-Agency Committee.

Under the 2023-2035 Philippine Energy Plan, the DOE also targets the entry of nuclear power generation in 2032, with at least 1,200 megawatts, an additional 1,200 megawatts by 2035, and 2,400 megawatts by 2050.

On Tuesday, the US State Department announced the agreement’s entry into force, labeling it as a peaceful nuclear cooperation deal based on “a mutual commitment to nuclear nonproliferation.”

The agreement also provides a legal framework that permits American companies to export nuclear materials to another country safely. — Felice Nafarrete, intern