Prudent leap for nuclear energy development

The signing into law of Republic Act No. 12305, the Philippine Nuclear Energy Safety Act, is more than a technical milestone: it is a political and economic turning point.

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By establishing an independent, modern regulator and a clear authorization framework for nuclear projects, the Philippines manifests its readiness to handle safely the complex technologies and long-term responsibilities that nuclear energy entails. This legal framework is the foundation for any credible program of nuclear power, medical isotope production, or advanced research.

Why is nuclear energy development imperative?

For middle-income countries with constrained land, rising electricity demand, and commitments to decarbonize, nuclear offers high-capacity, low-emissions baseload power that complements renewables. Properly sited and financed, the purposive development of emerging small modular reactors (SMRs) can stabilize grids, lower system costs over time by reducing fossil fuel imports, and support industrialization through reliable, 24/7 power. The Department of Energy (DOE) has signaled interest both in repurposing the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant and in exploring SMRs as pragmatic options.