Interagency gov’t panel pushes transparency in all nuclear projects

Members from different government agencies during workshop on nuclear policies  | Photo by Department of Energy

The Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC) led by the Department of Energy (DOE) is holding workshops on nuclear policies and assessments on Friday in Quezon City.

The workshops that started September 9 are reviewing and deliberating policies by NEP-IAC’s Subcommittee 2 led by the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) and Subcommittee 5 headed by the DOE.

The NEP-IAC earlier formed six subcommittees to divide and tackle the 19 infrastructure issues outlined by the IAEA.

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The Subcommittee 2 is currently scrutinizing the provisions of the draft national policy on nuclear safety and radiation protection, which aims to ensure transparency in all activities related to the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and strengthen the protection of the citizenry and the environment from any adverse effects of ionizing radiation in the country.

The panel is also tackling the draft national policy on nuclear security, which aims to guarantee the security of nuclear and radioactive materials and their facilities and operations; adhere to the country’s commitments to international obligations; and establish the respective roles and responsibilities of all concerned government agencies, other sectors and stakeholders.

Meanwhile, NEP-IAC’s Subcommittee 5 is delving into strategic and technical evaluations and assessments of sites that may be safe and suitable for possible nuclear energy-related project studies and developments.

Executive Order No. 164 titled, “Adopting a national position for a Nuclear Energy Program (NEP),” articulated the Philippines’ decision to begin the process of considering nuclear power in its energy mix, and directed the NEP-IAC to perform additional functions to carry out the NEP in accordance with international standards set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

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Aside from the DOE and PNRI, NEP-IAC members include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs, National Economic and Development Authority, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Department of Justice.

The Department of Trade and Industry through the Board of Investments and Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of National Defense, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Commission on Higher Education, Presidential Communications Office, Food and Drug Authority, Climate Change Commission, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Forest Management Bureau and Biodiversity Management Bureau are also included.

The NEP is currently pursuing phase 2 of the Milestones Approach of the IAEA which includes working toward the enactment of laws that will provide a comprehensive nuclear regulatory framework in the country; compliance with international commitments; completion of another INIR mission; operationalization of a nuclear regulatory body; publication, dissemination and implementation of the NEP and its action plan; and tapping stakeholders for possible investments in nuclear energy as potential end-users of the electricity generated.

Target duration for the activities of phase 2, which is necessary to attain milestone 2, is from 2024-2028.