The case for nuclear power as a strategic baseload imperative

The Philippines, despite its own challenges, is on track to achieve upper middle-income status by the end of this year or in 2026 — a milestone defined by the World Bank based on gross national income per capita. Beyond economic symbolism, this signals real improvements in the quality of life for many Filipinos. But to sustain this momentum, one crucial factor stands out: a stable, reliable, and affordable energy supply.

- VICTOR ANDRES C. MANHIT

INSIDE the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant

(BW FILE PHOTO)

Energy underpins industrial competitiveness, digital transformation, inclusive development, and our attractiveness to large-scale, job-generating investments. Simply put, economic progress cannot be sustained without a robust baseload power generation system.

At the same time, power generation must align with the government’s emission goals and the move towards reducing our dependence on coal-fired power plants that emit greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

The Philippine Energy Plan (PEP) 2023-2050 recognizes the urgency of transforming the sector in the decades ahead. It envisions an energy future that is affordable, reliable, resilient, and sustainable, with nuclear power integrated as a strategic component of the clean energy transition.

Under the PEP, the government has set ambitious targets: 35% of the energy mix from renewables by 2030, rising to 50% by 2040, and surpassing half of the total mix by 2050. But bridging the gap between ambition and reality remains a challenge. Many renewable sources — while promising — are still in the early stages of development and come with high costs. This creates an urgent need for a stable, low-carbon power source to complement the transition. Nuclear energy, with its ability to deliver clean and consistent baseload power, is uniquely suited to fill that role.