First PH nuclear power now eyed by 2035

MANILA, Philippines — The country remains firm on having its first kilowatts from nuclear power plants by 2035, despite moving away from the initial 2032 target as energy officials await progress on regulatory and safety approvals.

“The grid integration, barring no changes yet made in the Philippine Grid Code and all of the other technical requirements, the actual injection of the capacities will start at around 2035 through 2038,” Department of Energy (DOE) Energy Utilization and Management Bureau director Patrick Aquino said during a public consultation on Thursday.

READ: DOE has yet to see bid to build nuclear power plant

The DOE is drafting guidelines for the market’s first nuclear power generation capacity auction. The draft rules will clarify requirements, capacity allocation, pricing, contracting, site identification, safety standards, and government support measures for potential participants.

The draft guidelines allow the government to take up to a 10-percent stake in the first nuclear project through the Philippine National Oil Co., Maharlika Investment Corp., or another government entity, subject to negotiations, due diligence, approvals, and fiscal rules.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 12305 last September, creating the Philippine Atomic Energy Regulatory Authority (PhilAtom).

READ: PH is ready for responsible nuclear energy use – Dy

The independent quasi-judicial body will have “sole and exclusive jurisdiction to exercise regulatory control” over the peaceful, safe, and secure use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the Philippines.

“While it’s true that there are no specific implementing rules and regulations yet in place for RA 12305, the government has been preparing and is continuously preparing the requirements and is ready to assist the upcoming PhilAtom,” Aquino said. /pai INQ