DOE BARES PERMIT PROCESS FOR PH NUCLEAR ENERGY INVESTMENTS

THE Department of Energy (DOE) said that the Philippine government has set up a harmonized, whole-of-government licensing and permitting process for nuclear power plant projects.

- BY JED MACAPAGAL

By finalizing the harmonized licensing roadmap, the Philippines is sending a clear signal that the country is preparing for nuclear energy with discipline and foresight, the DOE said. This includes strong safety foresight, predictable processes, and transparent public engagement, so that when proponents are ready to invest, the government is ready to evaluate, regulate, and deliver the country's 2032 target responsibly.

The agency said in a statement on Tuesday, February 24, that a flowchart has been completed as a guide for nuclear power investors and developers in getting their project licenses, clearances and permits in a clear, orderly and timely manner. The DOE stressed the system, as illustrated in the flowchart, will enable the country to realize the safe and efficient operation of nuclear power facilities by 2032.

"By finalizing this harmonized licensing roadmap, we are sending a clear signal that the Philippines is preparing for nuclear energy with discipline and foresight. Our commitment is straightforward: strong safety oversight, predictable processes, and transparent public engagement, so that when proponents are ready to invest, the government is ready to evaluate, regulate, and deliver our 2032 target responsibly," Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said in the DOE statement on Tuesday.

The DOE said the streamlined end-to-end licensing framework was formulated during a whole-day focus group discussion on harmonizing nuclear power plant licensing in the Philippines, held last February 11.

The discussion was led by Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina Guevara, Finance Undersecretary Catherine Fong and Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla, alongside stakeholders from the private sector, academia and 24 government agencies under the Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee (NEP-IAC), the agency said.